Nutrient Management

In the agricultural setting, nutrients are the building blocks for plant growth and production. Common nutrients are the elements nitrogen and phosphorus which are available in several forms. NRCS works with Iowa farmers to manage nutrients.

The 590 Standard is the guidance document for the creation of a NMP

USDA-NRCS Iowa Nutrient Management (590) Conservation Practice Standard (PDF)  October 2013

• Nutrient Management (590) Reference List (DOCX)
• Fact Sheet - What's New That Affects You in the Iowa 590 Standard? (PDF)

Nutrient Reduction

• Treating Nitrates

4R Nutrient Stewardship

• 4R Nutrient Stewardship Home Page
• 4Rs Right for Nutrient Stewardship

Nutrient Management Resources

• The Nitrogen Cycle (PDF) - Graphic Illustration
• Nitrogen Use in Iowa Corn Production (PDF) - CROP 3073, May 2015, ISU Extension and Outreach
• Determining Realistic Yield Potential for Nutrient Management Planning (Formerly Yield Goal) (PDF, 7/31/15)
• Do you know what the information we provide is used for? (12/15/06)
• Phosphorus (10/25/06)
• Definitions of the Ethanol Industry - A Nutrient and Livestock Perspective (10/11/06)
• Stalk Nitrate Sampling (10/2/06)
• Banning Manure Applications to Soybeans (9/29/06)
• Using the Leaching Index in a Nutrient Management Plan (PDF)
• National NRCS Example Producer Activity Document (PDF)
• NRCS-CPA-70 (and other TSP Forms)

Iowa Phosphorus Index

Iowa NRCS and Iowa State University has developed an Iowa Phosphorus Index (PI). The Iowa PI is an assessment tool for the purpose of evaluating the potential of off-site phosphorus movement. This Iowa PI is to be used when a NMP is being developed based on the 590 Standard and one of the following conditions exist: 1. When manure is applied. 2. Soil loss is above the tolerable level (T). 3. The planning area is within an identified nutrient impaired watershed. 4. The soil test phosphorus levels are above optimum.

• The Iowa Phosphorus Index - Iowa NRCS Technical Note 25 (PDF)
• The Iowa Phosphorus Index Calculator (XLS, 4.6 MB) (To save this file, right click on the link, save target as..., name and save file where desired, open the file where saved.)
• Phosphorus Index Fact Sheet  (PDF)
• Choosing the soil map unit in a field for conservation planning (PDF)