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- A Key to Nutrient Balance
Knowing what crops need to grow is the first step to nutrient balancing. This two page fact sheet from the Potash and Phosphate Institute and the Potash & Phosphate Institute of Canada, outlines crop nutrient use across Western Canada from 1980-2000 to start you on your way. Included in the document are statistics on various crop nutrient-use trends and data on fertilizer use on the prairies. - The Precautionary Principle for Phosphorus
Fertilizer
This one page write up from the Potash and Phosphate Institute outlines the risks and benefits of fertilizer use, and the steps that have been taken to minimize the environmental impact from fertilizer production and utilization. - Putting P in its Place
This fact sheet from the Potash and Phosphate Institute delivers tips on proper application methods of phosphorus to minimize environmental risk. The importance of soil testing and fertilizer placement of phosphorus is examined, while variables such as crop response and climatic impacts are considered. - What Form of Fertilizer to Use
Plants need nutrients in certain quantities and certain forms. Understanding what is best is what this one page document by agronomists at the Potash and Phosphate Institute and the Potash & Phosphate Institute of Canada is all about. The article looks at how plants use fertilizer and emphasizes the fact that nutrients must be in inorganic form before uptake can occur. This data echoes the ongoing debate as to the relative advantages and disadvantages of organic farming compared to conventional farming. - A Balanced Approach to Environmental
Protection
The benefits of balancing nutrients in the soil for crop health are outlined in this Enviro Brief published by the Potash and Phosphate Institute and the Potash & Phosphate Institute of Canada. Balancing crop nutrients can also mean the balancing between food production and environmental protection over the long term. - Why all the Fuss about Manure?
This overview of some of the key issues in manure nutrient application highlights the expansion of acres receiving manure, tools to responsible manure application, and the importance of manure management plans. - Linking Soil Nutrients to the Dinner Plate
The message is clear: in order to be healthy, soil needs nutrients, and those nutrients feed crops that feed animals and humans. This discussion paper highlights some key statistics to drive the message of crop nutrients' importance home. - Does Nutrient Balancing Protect Water
Quality? [http://cropnutrientscouncil.ca/_documents/Nutrient_Balance.pdf]
Which soil nutrients are apt to leach out of the soil profile? Which are prone to losses by water runoff? This brief highlights specific management practices to protect water resources from excess nutrients from crop land. - Water Resources and Nutrient Levels
It is important to understand that the environment contains and requires nutrients to stay healthy. It is equally important to understand nutrient excess and how to prevent them. This paper discusses the role of nutrient indexes and the current situation of water quality in specific watersheds. - Phosphorus in Field and Stream
How much is enough? Do you have to apply phosphorus every year? What is the impact of timing of phosphorus application on risks to water quality? This short discussion answers these questions and more. - The Canadian Code of Practice for
Environmentally Sound Hog Production
This extensive Code covers everything you need to know to maintain a profitable hog operation that minimizes its fingerprint on the environment. From planning facilities, to manure storage and application, this Code is a great guide to get you going, or to make adjustments to your existing facility. - Fact vs. Fiction
This spreadsheet contains some in-depth answers to what the crop nutrient industry is doing, and general facts about crop nutrients and research. The unique format allows you to look up "claims" by topic and learn what is being done about food quality, water quality, and replenishing soil nutrients, to name a few.



