Developing a Nitrogen Management Plan

Does your farm have a Nitrogen Management Plan in place?  In California, farms that irrigate land must complete an irrigation and Nitrogen Management Plan (INMP) for irrigated parcels.  If the farm is located in a High Vulnerability Area (HVA) for nitrate leaching, the INMP must be certified.  

DEVELOPING A NITROGEN MANAGEMENT PLAN (NMP)

MORR designs, improves, and implements these proposals to ensure your farm is compliant and operating within the state’s framework.

While many consultants claim to assist farms with these plans, MORR is one of the only companies that can come onsite, understand your operations, and assist you in completing all the required documents.

Not all counties report the same and it is helpful to work with experienced individuals that are already familiar with your county’s regulations and specific needs.

Our CCA’s and CPA’s have nitrogen specialist certification and can design plans for both organic and conventional farms. 

We can also assist in developing fertility programs for a broad range of crop types and growing techniques.

WHAT DOES A NITROGEN MANAGEMENT PLAN ACCOMPLISH?  

An NMP is a plan that delineates how nitrogen is stored onsite, used, and applied to crops.  It accounts for how nitrogen will affect water quality and ensures water sources will be protected.  Tier 2 dischargers that cultivate greater than one acre of cannabis are also required to submit an NMP.

There are many tactics that reduce nitrogen reaching and leaching into surface water.  Optimizing fertilizer rates, applying fertilizer closer to timing of crop use, controlling field drainage, planning tile spacing and depth, using bioreactors, constructing and restoring wetlands for treatment purposes, and planting more perennials on marginal cropland are all taken into consideration when writing an NMP.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Irrigation and Nitrogen Management Training Program allows growers to self-certify Irrigation and Nitrogen Management Plan (INMP) Worksheets for their operation(s).  That said, many farms are opting to bring in professionals that save time and costly mistakes.  MORR, Inc. is stepping up to assist and offers a full suite of services that accomplish your farms needs and goals pertaining to planning and compliance.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

For companies that do not have someone to assist them with their NMP, they are required to complete the training program and must take the Self-Certification Training and pass the exam with 80% or greater. Upon successful completion of the training program, participants are eligible to self-certify INMP Worksheets for a 3-year period. 

This requires your already stretched staff to wear yet another hat.  They must keep you compliant, stay up to date, and handle lots of documents, questions, and regulations that are often foreign and unfamiliar.  Working with MORR to accomplish your goals simplifies the whole process and allows your staff to get back to farming again.

TRAINING WORKBOOK 

Below you will find the Irrigation and Nitrogen Management Training Workbook. The workbook provides a guide to completing the INMP Worksheet and Summary Report along with additional resources on irrigation and nitrogen management.  You’ll immediately notice that this doesn’t look like much fun.  Paying our modest fees should be looking better and better as you continue reading.

The workbook can be used alongside the Irrigation and Nitrogen Management Training for Grower Self-Certification or on its own: Irrigation and nitrogen management training for grower self-certification

It’s important to notice that this document is 103 pages long and takes a lot of time to work through.  When working through MORR we keep you informed as to what you need to know and work though the reporting requirements on your behalf.  Time is money and a lot of money can be saved when working with a professional that has already completed many other Nitrogen Management Plans.  It is not our first rodeo.

HOW TO TAKE THE TRAINING AND EXAM

If you want to handle the NMP yourself, no problem.  Just remember you will have to handle the following on your own:  Once you are logged into the platform the training and exam materials can be accessed through the “Take a Test” tab.  The training will take approximately 6-8 hours to complete.  Once each module in the training has been completed, you will have access to take the exam.  The exam is 30 questions multiple-choice and requires an 80% to pass.  You will have 3 chances to pass the exam.

Once you have successfully completed the training and exam you will receive a letter via email within 2 weeks acknowledging your eligibility to self-certify INMP Worksheets for your farming operation(s).

RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS

To renew their eligibility to self-certify, participants must complete 3 hours of continuing education during the 3-year eligibility period. If a participant does not obtain 3 hours of continuing education, they cannot renew and will be required to retake the Self-Certification Training and Exam to continue self-certifying INMP Worksheets.  We take all this off your plate.

CERTIFICATIONS HELD BY MORR AND THEIR NITROGEN MANAGEMENT PLAN TEAM

Just a few of the many certifications we have that make us the best resource for completing Nitrogen plans are:

• Certified Professional Agronomist
• FSSC 22000 Attainment
• Certified Crop Advisor
• Pest Control Advisor (All)
• NRCS TSP
• IOIA Certified Organic Inspector
• FSPCA PCQI
• International HACCP Cert
• Certified Fit Testing 

GENERAL INFORMATION ON MANAGING NITROGEN

Understanding Nitrogen and Its Importance...

Nitrogen is a vital nutrient for plant growth, playing a key role in chlorophyll production and overall plant health. Proper nitrogen management ensures optimal crop yields, reduces waste, and minimizes environmental impact.

Factors Affecting Nitrogen Availability

Several factors influence nitrogen efficiency in the soil:

• Soil Type and Composition: Sandy soils tend to leach nitrogen more quickly, while clay soils retain nutrients longer.
• Organic Matter Content: High organic matter can improve nitrogen retention and slow down its loss.
• Weather Conditions: Rainfall and temperature affect nitrogen movement and availability in the soil.
• Crop Type and Growth Stage: Different crops require nitrogen at varying growth stages for maximum benefit.

Best Practices for Nitrogen Application

To maximize nitrogen use efficiency, consider the following strategies:

1. Applying Nitrogen at the Right Time

• Splitting nitrogen applications throughout the growing season helps match plant needs and minimizes losses.
• Avoid applying nitrogen during heavy rain forecasts to prevent leaching.

2. Choosing the Best Application Method

• Broadcasting: Spreading nitrogen evenly over the soil surface.
• Banding: Placing nitrogen in concentrated strips near plant roots.
• Side-dressing: Applying nitrogen along crop rows during active growth.
• Fertigation: Delivering nitrogen through irrigation systems for controlled distribution.

3. Selecting the Right Nitrogen Source

• Urea: A common nitrogen source that requires proper incorporation to reduce volatilization.
• Ammonium Nitrate: A readily available nitrogen form but requires careful handling.
• Anhydrous Ammonia: Provides high nitrogen content but requires specialized equipment for safe application.
• Manure and Compost: Organic sources that improve soil health over time.

4. Determining the Correct Nitrogen Rate

• Conduct soil tests to assess nitrogen levels before application.
• Use crop nutrient requirements as a guideline to prevent over- or under-application.
• Consider previous crop residue and organic matter contributions to nitrogen levels.

Environmental and Economic Considerations

Efficient nitrogen management benefits both the environment and farm profitability:

• Reduces Runoff and Leaching: Prevents nitrogen from contaminating water sources.
• Improves Soil Health: Supports microbial activity and enhances long-term fertility.
• Minimizes Input Costs: Ensures nitrogen is used effectively, reducing unnecessary expenses.
• Supports Sustainable Farming: Aligns with best practices for responsible agricultural production.

Conclusion

A well-planned nitrogen strategy maximizes crop performance while protecting natural resources. By applying nitrogen at the right time, using suitable methods, selecting the best sources, and determining appropriate rates, farmers can achieve both economic and environmental sustainability.

Click her to check out our extensive selection of commercial-grade NPK products