RP 1.1 Determine the extent of nitrate contamination of groundwater beneath or near crop fields; assess the potential for transport of soluble contaminants (nitrates, salts) to ground and surface waters.

RP 1.2 Develop and implement a system for keeping long-term records on each field of water and nutrient/soil amendment inputs, cultural operations, pest problems, land leveling or other improvements, and crop yield and quality.

RP 1.3 Review current cultural practices and develop improved nutrient and water management plans.

MM 2. Avoid Fertilizer Material Spills During All Phases Of Transport, Storage And Application.

RP 2.1 When transporting fertilizer, do not overfill trailers or tanks. Cover or cap loads properly and display appropriate placards on vehicles.

RP 2.2 When transferring fertilizer into on-farm storage or into a fertilizer applicator take care to not allow materials to accumulate on the soil.

RP 2.3 Maintain all fertilizer storage facilities to meet government and industry standards and protect them from the weather.

RP 2.4 Clean up fertilizer spills promptly.

RP 2.5 Shut off fertilizer applicators during turns and use check valves.

RP 2.6 Maintain proper calibration of fertilizer application equipment.

RP 2.7 Whenever injecting fertilizer into irrigation water, ensure backflow does not occur.

RP 2.8 Distribute rinse water from fertilizer application equipment evenly throughout the field.

MM 3. Base The Amount And Timing Of N Fertilizer Applied On Crop Needs And Production Goals.

RP 3.1 Before applying N early in the growth cycle, assess the amount of nitrate already present by soil (or soil solution) sampling and analysis.

RP 3.2 When applying manure shortly before a crop is planted, determine the nutrient content of the manure and the amount of nitrate already present in the soil. Apply manure at a rate consistent with the crop nutrient requirements.

RP 3.3 Split applications of N fertilizer.

RP 3.4 When possible avoid water-running N fertilizer in the furrows. If fertilizer N must be water-run, maximize irrigation uniformity and inject fertilizer during the last half of the irrigation set.

RP 3.5 Use plant tissue sampling for mid- and late-season fertilizer decisions.

RP 3.6 Do not apply excessive single amounts of fertilizer N during the rainy season.

RP 3.7 For fertilizer application during fall tillage use only low N-containing material. Higher N materials may be appropriate if a crop is to be planted soon.

RP 3.8 Measure nitrate levels in the irrigation water and adjust N fertilizer rate accordingly

MM 4. Place N Fertilizer Materials Where Maximum Plant Uptake Will Occur.

RP 4.1 Incorporate N fertilizer into the crop bed by placing fertilizer on the seed row and watering it in, by knifing fertilizer into the bed, or by broadcasting fertilizer and then listing it up into the bed.

MM 5. Minimize Leaching Losses Of Nitrate During Non-Crop Periods.

RP 5.1 If conditions permit, grow a cover crop rather than leaving fields fallow during the rainy season.

MM 6. Operate Irrigation Systems To Minimize Deep Percolation And N Losses.

RP 6.1 Monitor soil moisture between irrigations and use the information to guide irrigation timing decisions.

RP 6.2 Base amount of water applied on crop need.

RP 6.3 Know the flow rate and the time required to apply the desired inches of water.

RP 6.4 Use the minimum leaching fraction that will prevent yield reduction from salinity or stand establishment problems.

RP 6.5 When injecting fertilizer into irrigation water, follow all applicable government agency and industry guidelines for backflow prevention and regularly check and maintain backflow prevention devices.

RP 6.6 If irrigation efficiency remains low after all practical improvements have been made, convert to a more efficient irrigation system.

MM 7. Improve Existing Furrow Irrigation.

RP 7.1 Convert to surge irrigation.

RP 7.2 If fields are more than 1000 feet long, consider cutting the furrow run length in half with a corresponding decrease in set time.