Taking stock of voluntary nutrient management: Measuring and tracking change

Abstract

The importance of nutrient management plans (NMPs) in mitigating the impact of farm-based nutrient applications on the environment is widely acknowledged. However, despite years of promotion by agencies, most farmers still have not developed a NMP. Those plans that have been developed vary in quality and in the degree to which they are actually implemented. Although effective tools have emerged to aid plan development, the planning process remains time and resource intensive. In addition, information about NMPs and actual nutrient application rates generally is not available to resource managers who address water quality issues. This study examines changes in nutrient management behaviors and perceptions among 259 farmers, who participated in a multisession educational workshop series focused on understanding and developing NMPs. Based on structured interviews with farmers before and again one to three years after the workshops, the study finds that farmers are developing NMPs, understanding their plans, and also changing nutrient application rates (both increasing and decreasing). After implementing their NMPs, a strong majority (69%) of the participants believe that their plan has saved them money with no negative effect on yield. Three main findings hold implications for broader water quality and land conservation programs: (1) NMP education courses can lead to changes in farmer nutrient management behaviors, not always toward reducing nutrients; (2) farmers acknowledge challenges in fully implementing their plans, yet a high percentage (82%) indicate that they follow their plan on most (>76%) of their land; and (3) there is a need for accessible approaches to measure and track nutrient management behaviors separate from NMPs and in cases where they do not exist.