FAQS

What is a Nutrient Management Plan?

Nutrient Management Plan is a plan that is developed using a science-based process for optimizing the relationship between the land-based application of nutrients, farm management techniques, crop requirements, and land use and is consistent with:

1. the nutrient management review criteria of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs;
2. the standards and practices of the Best Management Practices pertaining to nutrient management published from time to time by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs; and
3. the County Agricultural Nutrient Mangement and Strategy Manual.

This definition comes from one of the many Nutrient Management By-laws in Ontario. It suggests that there really is a scientific basis to the depositing of thousands of gallons of manure and sludge onto our farmlands. If these guidelines prove to be not stringent enough then they will be changed. Unfortunately it may be too late once the ground waters and surface waters have been contaminated. Just because Canada has the largest mass of fresh water in the world, it does not mean that we cannot contaminate it all in a relatively short period of time. Witness the problems in the great lakes after only 100 years of Industrial development.