Nitrogen BMPs & 4Rs

Key points

BMPs and 4Rs

Best management practices (BMPs)

• Our best tools to manage nitrogen efficiently and profitably, while minimizing loss to the environment.
• Accounts for all sources of on-farm N
• Reflects understanding of N cycle
• Based on hundreds of site-years of agronomic and environmental research
• Defined in MN statute (Groundwater Protection Act)
• BMP region boundaries follow county lines, so border areas may not reflect characteristics of that specific region. Producers should choose BMPs based on soil conditions over region boundaries.

University guidelines

• Reduce risk of excessive N loss in a normal year
• Proven general recommendations provide a high level of confidence for achieving high yields over time within a reasonable N rate range
• Do not address site-specific requirements or adjustments for yearly factors

The 4Rs - An interacting system

• Right Placement
• Right Rate
• Right Source
• Right Time