Nutrient Management: Record Keeping

A huge initiative of the H2Ohio Program is emphasis on accurate and timely record keeping of nutrient application. Producers will be provided a $2/acre incentive payment each year as part of the H2Ohio Program for following their nutrient management plan and maintaining and submitting proper records. On the back of each specification page, (all can be downloaded on the main H2Ohio page) the record keeping requirements and objectives are outlined. Below is the back of the Voluntary Nutrient Management Plan Development and Implementation specification page:

The record keeping requirements set by the H2Ohio program come from Ohio Revised Code 901:5-4-04 Recordkeeping. In addition to following program and state requirements, effective record keeping of nutrient application can provide explanations for soil test levels, ensure you are following your nutrient management plan, show trends in yield response, encourage conservation of natural resources and reduce runoff, reduce waste and overspending on fertilizer, and more.

If producers have access to as-applied maps for their nutrient application, a lot of this information will be available, but some additional data may need to be recorded to meet the requirements. Information not always on as-applied that is needed may include:

• Weather Conditions
• Soil Conditions
• All Nutrients applied in a crop year (such as starter fertilizers and supplemental Nitrogen)
• Method of Application

Make sure to double check your as applied maps and provide the additional information as needed. 

Below are 2 different templates available for download that include all the data requirements you can use to record your nutrient application. The first one is from the Ohio State University and the second one is part of the OVNMP template. Email Kate for the full OVNMP template.  

 Check out the sources I have used here as well as additional resources for nutrient record keeping. There are many templates, resources, and even apps to help you with record keeping or you could create your own. If you have any questions, call or email Van Wert H2Ohio Program Technician Kate Myers.

• Fertilizer Application Resource Monitor (FARM)
• Agricultural Fertilizer Applicator Certification Training Manual
• Weather.gov
• Ohio Applicator Forecast
• OCJ: Fertilizer applicator record keeping rules are in place
• Journal of Extension: Nutrient Record Keeping . . . Yep, We've Got an App for That! (OMNRK App Article)
• OSU Record Keeping Requirements

Happy record keeping!