Farm Environment Plans
Under the proposed Canterbury Land & Water Regional Plan, a farm environment plan will need to be produced in any circumstances where an application for consent to farm is required.
The key aims of the farm management plans (FEPs) are:
– To minimise the loss of nitrate-nitrogen to soil drainage water and to minimise any loss of sediment, phosphorus or nitrogen to surface waters
– To establish an annual nutrient budget
In addition, the farm management plan will ensure:
– Stock is excluded from waterways and wetlands including drains and races
– All native plants and native animals and their habitats are protected
– Water application effectiveness is maximised
– All irrigation systems meet industry and scheme standards
For more information on how a FEP will best serve you contact us here
Nutrient Budgets
A nutrient budget provides a statement of the total nutrient balance for a specific area or farm system, taking into account all the nutrient inputs and all the outputs. It can help identify potential production or environmental issues arising from nutrient excesses or deficits. It can be used to evaluate different nutrient management scenarios and inform the manager of the most efficient options before the nutrient recommendation is implemented.
Nutrient Management Plans
A nutrient management plan (NMP) is a written plan that describes how the major plant nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur and potassium, and any others of importance to specialist crops) will be managed annually on a particular area or property.
This plan will be implemented to optimise productivity, to reduce nutrient losses and to avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse effects on the environment.
The NMP not only identifies the key nutrient issues and how they are addressed, but it provides a clear documented basis for the monitoring and evaluation of progress in the personal and business objectives which relate to nutrient management.
Handy links below for more information.
