Training Description:
This training is intended for those that work on nutrient management plans for commercial fertilizer and manure. Attendees will meet, virtually and in the classroom, over the course of several months. Attendees will attain an improved understanding of nutrient management within the context of 4R nutrient stewardship practices and understanding how management interacts with conservation practices and the surrounding environment. Attendees that complete this cohort pilot will receive Job Approval Authority (JAA) for nutrient management:
- Planning: Level III
- Design: Level II
- Certification: Level III
Date(s):
Time:
Format:
Source:
TTCP
Training Type:
Duration:
Location:
Registration Deadline:
Registration Link:
Notes:
Time Commitment:
Attendees are expected to attend the virtual session live, or in limited situations watch replays. Attendance at the in person session is required to receive JAA. Attendees will also complete self guided learning and provide a 10-15 minute presentation on a selected topic. This course is comprised of:
- Nine virtual sessions lasting up to three hours
- September 23, 1:00-4:00
- October 9, 9:00-12:00
- October 23, 9:00-12:00
- November 4, 1:00-4:00
- November 18, 1:00-4:00
- December 2, 1:00-4:00
- January 12, 9:00-12:00
- January 26, 9:00-12:00
- March 2, 9:00-12:00
- A two day, in person classroom session
- Week of February 8-12, 2027
- Self guided learning
- The estimated time commitment is 8-10 hours per month over the six month timeframe
Prerequisites:
- Core Competency Water Quality Module 6
- Attend or watch the replay of the Basic Nutrient Management Webinar on August 21, 2026
- Review and understand the standard for Nutrient Management (CPS 590)
- Be able to read and interpret soil tests
- Be familiar with nutrient recommendations on the UMN website
- It is recommended to be familiar with a field budget (CPA-023) and record keeping (CPA-046)
Course Content:
- Session 1: 590 Cohort Kickoff (introductions, expectations)
- Session 2: Loss pathways, pH, Nutrient toxicities and deficiencies
- Session 3: Nitrogen Discussion
- Session 4: Phosphorus Discussion (Review chapter 1-5 of Devil’s Element)
- Session 5: Potassium and Micronutrients
- Session 6: Manure
- Session 7: Precision and application methods
- Session 8: Crop specific considerations and building a NM plan
- Session 9: Two day classroom session
- Session 10: Recap, putting a plan together, real world scenarios
- Follow Up: Submit a plan for JAA review
Student Presentation:
Each contributor will complete a 10-15 minute overview presentation on one of the topics below, either from a selected reading (content will be loaded into Box), a podcast, or the self guided learning modules. Topics will be selected first come first serve.
- A Soil Owner’s Manual
- Management of WI Soils
- NDSU fertilizer recommendations
- UMN manure recommendations
- UMN fertilizer recommendations
- Economics
- Intersection of 590 and erosion
- P index
- MPCA guidance
- MDA BMPs
- MDA EEFs
- NRCS Adaptive Management Technical Note
- Core Competency Water Quality Module 6: Nutrient Reduction in Minnesota
- 4R Nutrient Stewardship + Conservation Practices
Self Guided Learning:
Cohort contributors should complete at least 350 points worth of additional self guided learning throughout the length of the cohort:
- Nutrient Management podcast (15 points)
- Nitrogen Smart Fundamentals (75 points)
- Advanced Nitrogen Smart: A deep dive into the 4Rs (75 points)
- Advanced Nitrogen Smart: Manure Management (75 points)
- Advanced Nitrogen Smart: Reducing Nitrate Loss to Water (75 points)
Training Calendar
BWSR offers a calendar of training events intended to provide potential attendees with information related to potential and upcoming sessions.
All trainings are subject to change due to a variety of circumstances.
Online Learning
Not all training takes place in a classroom. We’ve put together a searchable library of recorded modules, webinars, videos and other resources to help our staff and partners find professional development information on a variety of topics.