Nutrient Management Plans are conservation plans developed with the help of certified agriculture agents that help maximize the economic returns of nutrients used to produce specific crops in ways that also protect water quality related to excessive nutrient loading. Developing an NMP plan helps producers manage their methods of fertilizing, ensuring that nutrients like nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are applied at the right time of year and in the correct amounts, saving producers additional financial burdens and the environment from harmful run-off. There are many components to developing a plan, from soil testing, to field assessments, to various forms of data collection, which must all be completed before developing a plan specific to the needs of one's land. Be sure to contact your local agronomist if you're interested in developing a plan!

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The basic components to any NMP are as follows:

1. Soil test reports

2. Assessment of on-farm nutrient resources

3. Nutrient crediting

4. Staying consistent with your farm conservation plan

5. Manure inventory

6. Manure spreading plan

7. Maintaining the NMP "590 Standard"