Did you know that KBFA Farm Advisor Sarah Hirschfeld is also a certified Nutrient Management Planner? NMPs are a great way to have soil testing costs covered. Funding applications for NMPs are open now – read on to find out if you need one.
Meet your friendly neighbourhood Nutrient Management Planner! Sarah serves farmers across the Kootenays and Columbia Basin.
What is a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP)?
A NMP helps producers understand how much fertilizer, manure, or compost should be applied for optimal crop yields. It helps ensure you aren’t wasting money or polluting the environment. It also provides recommendations for setbacks, storage, and record keeping.
Do I need soil testing? When?
If your farm is at least 2 ha (5 ac) and you use fertilizer, manure or compost, then YES you need soil testing! You will need to test every 3 years (for phosphorus and nitrates), or annually if nitrates are high. Soil tests should be done in the fall after the last harvest and before autumn rains. For more information on soil testing requirements see this link.
Does an NMP include soil testing?
Yes, a NMP will include collecting soil tests and lab fees. It may also include manure or compost testing. Funding for a NMP can be a great way to cover soil testing costs.
Do I need an NMP?
If you meet all the following criteria, then YES you need a NMP (Regulatory) :
- Your farm is at least 5 ha (12 ac),
- Your farm is in a high risk area,
- High risk areas (map) in the Kootenays include Cranbrook, Creston, Wynndel, Fruitvale, Montrose, Christina Lake, Grand Forks, and Nakusp
- Your soil tests are high: ≥ 100 kg N/ha or 200 ppm P.
If you do not meet all of the above criteria, you are probably not high risk and your NMP would be “Voluntary” instead of “Required / Regulatory”. Voluntary NMPs are still very useful if you use fertilizer, manure, or compost!
Can anyone write my NMP?
NMPs must be written by someone who has completed the NMP course. Here is a list of certified NMP Planners.
I want an NMP. How do I get funding?
Applications for funding NMPs via the IAF-BMP Program opened January 14, 2025.
- Regulatory NMP (2401.2): 100% cost-shared up to $6,000 per plan.
- Voluntary NMP (2401.1): 100% cost-shared up to $3,000 per plan.
Farm or ranch operations that have completed an NMP between 2016-2019, are only eligible for funding under these practice codes if their NMP no longer meets the “in-force” Sections of The Code of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management (BC Reg 8/2019).
Disclaimer: The information on this page is guidance only. Please refer to the Code of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management for specific regulatory requirements.
Map of High Risk Areas in Kootenays. If you are in the pink or orange, you may need a Nutrient Management Plan!
