Madison, Wisc.-Effective March 10, Wisconsin is extending requirements for nutrient management plans to land owners of five acres or more to reduce fertilizer runoff. “Farmers are already covered by the regulation (NR151),” reported Mary Anne Lawndes, urban storm water engineer with the Dept. of Natural Resources. Lawndes noted that owners of larger tracts, such as golf courses, school districts, parks, and large company headquarters, will be now covered, while few – if any – home owners will be affected. Lowndes said the state’s objective is to allow owners “to maintain a healthy turf without over-applying nutrients.” Help is available at the DNR web site, which explains how to do a management plan and use a soil test to determine proper amounts of nitrogen and phosphate. Restrictions also apply to areas close to ground and surface water, she added. The University of Wisconsin extension service has been working with golf courses and school districts, and classes are being held around the state. One session will be held in Green Bay early next year. Owners, Lawndes stressed, will be required to update their management plans every five years unless the use of the property changes.
Transparency Across the Fertilizer Value-Chain