What is a nutrient management plan and what are the benefits?

Ensuring the carefully managed application of all nutrients on farm, including organic materials, helps to reduce the loss of nutrients that arises when the crop is removed at harvest. Careful planning that maximises the efficiency of manures and manages them better can help reduce the amount of nitrogen that is lost as nitrous oxide.

Incorporating organic materials (e.g. composts and manures) plays an important role in increasing levels of organic matter in soil. It can have important agricultural and ecological benefits, such as reducing fertiliser requirements, improving soil condition and biological activity.