ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT FOR IMPROVED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

The agricultural community needs to improve nutrient use efficiency for modern cropping systems to ensure agronomic viability and environmental quality. Improving efficiency will require more than new technology. It will require a different approach to nutrient management: the use of adaptive management concepts and processes. Expected outcomes/impacts: 1. Educational programs about adaptive management for nutrient management in the Northeast and the US. 2. Tech Note written in cooperation with NRCS about the processes and practices to implement an adaptive management program for nutrient management. 3. A revised NRCS 590 nutrient management Standard that includes concepts of adaptive management. 4. A methodology paper published in a national referred journal about the principles and practices for adaptive management for agriculture. 5. Bulletins and extension publications about adaptive management in agriculture and the social processes necessary for implementing an adaptive management program. 6. Improved use of nutrients and water for Northeastern agriculture by enhancing the ability of Land Grant Universities, agribusiness, ag service providers and producers to better manage nutrients. 7. Establishment of at least two new adaptive management programs in the Northeast.