On-farm nutrient management begins with a good understanding of fieldspecific soils and their ability to accept nutrients and manure for optimal crop production while protecting water quality. DATCP is partnering with several federal and state agencies to develop two new tools to help farmers protect water resources when land spreading manure.

The first is online WI “590” Nutrient and Manure Application Restriction Maps which all of the mappable “590” spreading restrictions including slope and nitrogen restricted soils, and surface water quality management areas. These maps are currently available at http://www.datcp.state.wi.us/arm/agriculture/landwater/conservation/manure-mngmt/index.jsp.