ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER SUSTAINABILITY 8 continued from page 7 The agreement reinforces the shared commitment of industry and government to advance sustainable agricultural practices that protect Ontario soil and water, while supporting farm profitability.” Participation in the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program is voluntary. It’s practiced nationally, but provinces individualize parts of their own agreements to reflect their agricultural production systems and unique regional climatic, soil, and operational conditions. Ontario’s approach is unique. It’s the only province whose program is based on actually certifying nutrient service providers -- including agricultural retailers and certified professionals -- on their implementation of 4R practices through independent third-party audits of almost 40 protocols. These protocols include auditable recommendations and documentation for nutrient management, nutrient applications onto soil, and staff and grower training. HERE’S HOW IT WORKS Growers work with a crop advisor at a 4R certified retailer to create tailored nutrient plans based on individual soil tests that reflect each farm’s soil conditions and variabilities. Tillage and fertilizer application practices and timing are discussed – for example, avoid fertilizer applications on snow-covered ground and incorporate fertilizer after applications-- along with product recommendations such as nitrogen stabilizers, and practices like cover cropping. Russel Hurst, executive director of the Ontario Agri Business Association, says about 40 hours per year of administrative work is required on retailers’ behalf to represent the 4R program. But, he adds, it’s worth it, because growers’ interest in 4R certification is expanding. Some participating retailers say they have doubled the number of soil samples they’ve analyzed since becoming part of the 4R program. As part of the program, they are privy to a bevy of research and field advice that they can then share with clients. Hurst believes the renewed agreement reflects the changing role of extension, and farmers’ desire for evidenced-based practices that add credentials, prestige, comfort, and confidence to production. “Growers are counting on retailers more now for agronomic advice,” he says. “Ontario Agri Business Association members, who serve as fertilizer suppliers and trusted advisors, are providing sustainable third-party programming. They underscore that science-based nutrient management is good practice and part of farmers’ corporate responsibility. It’s fundamental to the long-term sustainability of Ontario’s farms, watersheds, and environment.” ONTARIO FARMERS ARE TUNED INTO 4R CONCEPTS The most recent Fertilizer Canada fertilizer use survey, from 2023, shows that more than 80 per cent of the 500 farmers surveyed are either somewhat familiar or very familiar with 4R concepts. A little over 70 per cent said they believe their fertilizer practices comply with 4R stewardship. The same percentage say the main benefits of having a 4R plan in place is using the best environmental stewardship practices. However, just 43 per cent say they are working with a 4R certified dealer, and even less, 35 per cent, are working with a 4R nutrient management specialist certified crop advisor. According to the Fertilizer Canada survey, 43 per cent of respondents say they don’t have the right equipment. Just over 30 per cent say they lack information and knowledge to adopt 4R practices, and 21 per cent believe it’s too expensive. Survey respondents said the main barrier to putting a formal 4R plan in place is a lack of incentive, followed by a lack of information and knowledge, and the feeling that a 4R plan is too complex or onerous to implement. BEST PRACTICES FOR NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT • Conduct soil tests at least once every four years in areas no larger than 25 acres. • Do not apply nutrients on frozen or snow-covered ground. • For all nutrient recommendations and/or applications, include a minimum setback distance near known sensitive areas, such as tile inlets, wellheads, gullies, and water bodies. Document and discuss the setbacks with the fertilizer applicator. • Urea or UAN broadcast on bare ground or not applied to a growing crop must be incorporated within 24 hours. It is recommended that it be applied with enhancedefficiency nitrogen sources. • Phosphorus injection, subsurface banding, or broadcasting with immediate incorporation are the recommended placement methods unless the risk of phosphorus loss to surface water has been demonstrated to be low. • No broadcast applications of crop nutrients should occur if the weather forecast indicates more than a 50 per cent chance of rain over one inch in the next 12-hour period. • Record all nutrient management planning recommendations and applications.
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