New Resource For Nutrient Stewardship

By Growing Produce Staff|April 14, 2011

There’s a new online resource aimed at helping growers boost yields, manage input costs, and maintain soil health. The website, www.nutrientstewardship.com, is a collaborative effort of the fertilizer industry aimed at increasing awareness of 4R nutrient stewardship, a site-specific, scientific framework that addresses farmers’ use of the right fertilizer source at the right rate, the right time, and the right place.

“Nutrient stewardship is a top priority for the entire fertilizer industry,” said The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) president Ford B. West. “The new website, www.nutrientstewardship.com, streamlines our industry’s efforts to promote awareness and adoption of science-based fertilizer best management practices, while also creating a brand for the 4Rs that will allow the agriculture community to speak with one voice regarding its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.”

The 4R nutrient stewardship concept and website are a cooperative effort of TFI, the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI), the Canadian Fertilizer Institute (CFI), and the International Fertilizer Industry Association. The new site is designed to serve as an online clearinghouse for information on 4R-related tools and resources and will serve as the cornerstone for a multi-faceted nutrient stewardship initiative.

In addition to introducing site visitors to the 4R concept, the website offers information regarding a wide range of agronomic topics related to nutrient management, and provides a how-to guide for implementing the 4Rs on the farm.

“We’re in a time in agriculture where the risk of making the wrong decision when it comes to nutrient management is greater than ever before,” said Steve Phillips, IPNI Director, Southeast U.S. “In addition to meeting the challenge of feeding a growing population, agriculture is facing increasing regulatory pressure to limit the use of crop nutrients and those factors make right now the right time for promoting increased awareness and adoption of 4R nutrient stewardship.”