Land Management Practices to Reduce Nutrient Loss Minimizing
surface runoff and leaching reduces the likelihood that
contaminated water from fields will enter a surface or
groundwater source. Many conservation and land management
practices have been proven to reduce leaching and runoff. These
practices are referred to as Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Voluntary adoption of these practices is encouraged by all
livestock producers. It is not expected that all operations
should adopt all of the practices listed. Rather, operators
should evaluate these practices and adopt as many as they can
that fit within their management system. BMPs should be adopted
on sites where the risk of contaminating surface or ground water
is high. Review the conservation / best management practices
described below. Indicate which practices are or will be
implemented using the checklist and/or worksheet at the end of
this section. This step will help you reduce nutrient loss
through best management practices throughout your operati