Illinois’ Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) aims to reduce nutrient losses to the Mississippi River Basin by 45% by 2025. For farmers and retailers, this means having a plan in place to decrease nutrient loss in the soil, specifically for phosphorus and nitrate-nitrogen. Jean Payne and Dan Schaefer of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association hosted a webinar to discuss the NLRS, the 4Rs and tips that growers can use on their own farms to manage nutrient loss.

Key Takeaways:

• The NLRS not only influences points farther south down to the Gulf of Mexico, but local water quality as well.
• 4Rs: Right source, Right rate, Right time, Right place.
• If applying nitrogen in fall, make sure soil temperature is below 50 degrees.
• Never apply nitrogen on snow or frozen ground.
• Apply fertilizer in spring and fall, and test soil in spring to prepare for fall.

One CEU in Soil & Water Management is available for viewing this webinar.