A Nutrient Management Plan is a tool to help define the nutrient needs of crops, and how best to provide the amount, sources, placement and timing of those applications to maximize nutrient uptake of the crop, and improve yields. Implementation of nutrient management plans should protect the environment, maintain crop productivity, and increase profitability.

Many agricultural fields in North Carolina require certified nutrient management plans. These plans must meet the USDA-NRCS 590 Nutrient Management Standard. Tools and information to help with this planning are contained in this site:

1. The North Carolina Agricultural Nutrient Assessment Tool (NCANAT) is a phosphorus and nitrogen loss assessment tool that must be used on most fields receiving animal waste.
2. The North Carolina Nutrient Management Software is used in writing commercial fertilizer or animal waste plans.
3. Training is provided for the nutrient management tools and recertification for animal waste operators.

Other resources are available. These resources include:

1. A description of the interagency committee responsible for working on nutrient management issues for the state
2. The USDA-NRCS 590 Nutrient Management Standard
3. Field worksheets for collecting information on NLEW and PLAT
4. A fact sheet on deep soil sampling for nutrient management
5. The list of soil management groups and the soil series included in each
6. The list of North Carolina soil mapunits and the corresponding NCDA surface soil test P index in which a deep soil sample would be needed for NCANAT.