Nutrient and pest management demonstrates the environmental and economic advantages of following a nutrient management plan or pest management plan, and provides operators an incentive to encourage the adoption of new management techniques or technologies for applying commercial fertilizer, pesticide or herbicide. These practices are designed to preserve and protect water quality. If nutrients or chemicals in the soil, or the ones that are applied, are managed for the best and appropriate use, there will be less nutrient runoff and leeching into the streams and groundwater after a rainfall event.
The following state cost-share practices are designed to address this concern:
Details for each individual practice are available in the eligible practices chapter of the districts' Cost Share Handbook.
There are economic and environmental benefits to following an approved nutrient management plan to improve soil fertility and crop production. Planning is based on soil or plant nutrient testing to ensure adequate fertility without excess nutrient runoff.
There are economic and environmental benefits of following an approved pest management program to reduce pressure from pest species and to improve crop yields or forage production with proper pesticide application. Planning is based on field scouting for weeds and insects.