Natural Resources Extension Program

A Simple Nutrient Management Plan, NMP

This website is designed to provide a step-by-step process for developing a simple nutrient management plan. The material was developed to assist Montana's livestock producers in determining if they have enough land for manure application and developing their own nutrient management plan. Our intent was to provide information to help producers implement "best management practices" that are compliant, technically sound, economically feasible, and site-specific.

Step 1: Does operation meet AFO/CAFO definition?

Step 2: Estimate manure production

Step 3: Determine lot area runoff

Step 4: Estimate manure composition and crop needs

Step 5: Calculate annual rate of manure application

Step 6: Determine liquid waste nutrients

Step 7: Calculate cropland required for manure application

Helpful Items:

EB 161 — useful for estimating crop nutrient needs

EPA Final Rule on CAFOs

Montana CAFO discharge permit applications