Nutrient Management
Both the community and the farmer benefit from the proper management of nutrients on the farm. There is a balance between applying nutrients that crops need to be productive and not over applying nutrients that leads to runoff into our streams, creeks, and rivers as well as affecting our groundwater.
What is a Nutrient Management Plan?
A nutrient management plan is an inventory of nutrient sources on the farm, including manure and crop residues, along with the nutrient analyses of each of these sources. The planned crop rotation is included, along with soil tests, which are essential to determine the nutrient needs of the crops. A plan and procedure for applying the nutrient source(s) to the crop fields is included to maximize the economic benefit and minimize the environmental impact of the nutrients. Resource concerns are identified and best management practices are planned that, when implemented, will minimize the potential for nutrient loss from the fields and/or headquarters. Additional nutrient crop needs and plans for the handling of any excess manure are also included.
DEP regulations require that all manure storage structures (liquid or semi-liquid) built in PA after 2000 have to be certified by a professional engineer.
Who needs a plan?
Any operation that generates manure including; farms that land apply manure or agricultural process wastewater, farms managing Animal Concentration Areas like barnyards or feedlots, and farms that pasture animals. Use our Animal Equivalent (AEU) Calculator at the bottom of this page to see what type of nutrient management plan you are required to have.
LCCD staff do not write nutrient management plans. If you are in need of assistance, you may contact a private consultant to write your nutrient management plan.
All Operations with Animals Need a Plan
What Type do I Need?
The CAO Calculator has been updated to reflect the change in animal weight effective October 1, 2020.
To determine if your agricultural operation is a Concentrated Animal Operation, refer to Penn State University's Agronomy Facts 54.
The Lancaster County Conservation District can also assist you in determining if your agricultural operation is a CAO.