Nutrient management includes managing the amount, source, placement, form, and timing of nutrient and soil amendment applications. Nutrient management practices can minimize the potential for environmental damage including agricultural nonpoint source pollution of surface and ground water sources; maintain or improve the physical, chemical, or biological condition of soil; prevent or reduce excess nutrient concentrations in the soil; properly use all sources of organic material, including animal waste, as a plant nutrient source; and save money.

Fertilizer is available in different forms (fertilizer types), and applying the correct form helps reduce the amount of contamination leached into soils. For example, nitrate forms of nitrogen fertilizer are especially susceptible to leaching and should be used only when the leaching potential is low. Ammonium nitrogen fertilizers can be used in moderate to high leaching potential scenarios but should be limited when soils are warm and moist (conditions favorable to nitrate conversion). Use slow-release nitrogen fertilizers in these conditions. Nitrification inhibitors can also delay the conversion of ammonium to nitrate under certain conditions. See the University of Idaho Fertilizer Guidelines for more information, or contact your local extension office.