The State Conservation Commission this week adopted interim phosphorous standards as part of Pennsylvania's Nutrient Management Act Program. Revised final regulations are expected to be finalized by early 2005.

Current program regulations require farmers submitting plans for approval to develop and implement nutrient management plans balanced to a crop's nitrogen needs. The interim policy will now direct farmers to also consider phosphorous application rates as a part of their plans. Farmers are encouraged to utilize the Pennsylvania Phosphorous Index recently developed by USDA Agricultural Research Service and Penn State University College of Agricultural Sciences.

In a related action, the Commission also approved increased cost-share rates for farmers under its Nutrient Management Plan Development Incentive Program. This action will help farmers offset the increased cost incurred in developing the plans that include the new phosphorous considerations.

For information about the Commission's Nutrient Management Program, visit: http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/conservation/cwp/view.asp?a=3&Q=118688&conservationNav=| or call your local county conservation district.

5/28/2004