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.

Time fertilizer applications to capitalize on periods of maximum crop uptake. Applying part of the fertilizer in the spring and following up with period applications as needed has proven to be a successful technique for improving crop uptake and decreasing leaching. Applying the full amount of fertilizer in the fall has been shown to cause ground water degradation. Abnormal weather or crop quality may necessitate altering the fertilizer amounts or timing.