The 4R nutrient stewardship principles can be applied and used globally, but how they are used locally varies depending on field and site specific characteristics such as soil and water, cropping systems, management techniques and even climate. It is also important to note that, none of the four can be “Right” when any one of them is wrong. So the first step in getting starting is proper planning.
So once you have decided to take the leap into the 4R nutrient stewardship how do you start? One might ask , “what do I need to begin and how will I know I haven’t forgotten something?”
Well let’s review the basics and make a list – it’s the right time, right now!
As a producer, ask yourself:
- What are your goals (economically, socially, and environmentally)? Identify your economic goals for this season including your various cropping systems. Are there specific crops you want to improve or specific fields that need special attention to improve economic performance?
- Name your social goals? These take a little thought. What do you want to accomplish in the social sphere. For example are you looking to increase productivity and feed the world or use new technologies to better preserve your land for the next generation? Are you looking for more information on sustainable farm management and decision making because you want to join a sustainable supply chain?
- Record your environmental goals for this year? For example, are you interested in reducing soil erosion or preventing denitrification? Maybe you have other environmental goals such as preserving some wildlife habitat on the farm? Or are you more interested in reducing volatile ammonia emissions? Identify and consider your justification locally for each one. Be specific as possible when goal setting as it will help in understanding your local characterization and what your needs are, what you have, and where you want to go.
- Once you’ve set your goals think about your fields and the crops you grow. Identify what BMP’s might work best for your operation and for you? Is the BMP a good fit for your soil? Has it been tested in your climate and cropping system? And most importantly if it’s not something you are currently doing, what steps can you take get a step closer to that “best management” in the coming growing season.
- Figure out your BMPs for each of the 4Rs (Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, and Right Place) and make sure are they are working together.
- Record your 4R nutrient stewardship plan. It’s a great idea to keep it for following years to measure the success and challenges over the seasons.
Now let’s check it twice:
- Did you identify and record your economic, social, and environmental goals? Did you identify goals within your cropping systems including objectives, which identify specifics for each field and operation?
- Did you select best management practices (BMP) specific to your soil, climate, cropping system, for each of the 4Rs?
- Did you integrate BMPs and adjust as needed?
- Did you check to see if your selected BMPs will actually help you reach your goals and think about how you’ll know when you get there?
- Did you record and save your thinking in some kind of 4R nutrient stewardship plan.
Thank-you for taking the first step in helping to get started and a big congratulations to you, in completing your 4R nutrient stewardship plan.
“Civilization as it is known today could not have evolved nor can it survive without an adequate food supply.” –Norman Borlaug, Nobel Peace Prize 1970.
And for those interested in sharing ideas about steps for getting started, or ideas in your 4R plan lets continue the discussion via LinkedIn at Farming 4R Future!
What’s in your plan?
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Diana Tyner (M.Sc.) is an environmental advisor, water guru, and certified CSA greenhouse gas quantifier. She works with Canadian business, government, and non-profits to advance science, agriculture, and economics. This article was first published on dianatyner.wordpress.com
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