A BMP designed to minimize the contamination of surface and ground water by limiting the amount of nutrients (usually nitrogen) applied to the soil to no more than the crop is expected to use. This may involve changing fertilizer application techniques, placement, rate, or timing. The term fertilizer includes both commercial fertilizers and manure.
Management of the amount, form, placement, timing, and application of animal manure, chemical fertilizer, biosolids, or other plant nutrients used in the production of agricultural products to prevent pollution, maintain soil productivity, and achieve realistic yield goals.