Due to more
environmental regulations, MMP planning continues to be a more
complex issue, especially with the introduction of phosphorus
index-based plans. Any field that will receive manure applications
will need to be soil tested prior to developing an MMP and must be
retested every four years. We can
assist you in the complete process from soil testing your fields to
developing, updating and maintaining an MMP for your operation. The information below describes
some of the requirements and what needs to be included in an MMP.
What is an MMP?
A manure management plan (MMP) is a tool for producers to use when
they plan their nutrient placement to optimize crop production.
Filling out an MMP helps producers identify the amount of manure
being produced, the nutrient concentration in the manure, the number
of acres that are required for land application and the amount that
will be applied to each available acre. Mid-size and large producers
are required by state law to fill out and file an MMP with the DNR.
MMPs can be based on the nitrogen uptake needs of the crop, although
phosphorus index-based plans will be phased in until 2008 when all
plans must be phosphorus index-based.
Who Needs a
Plan?
Iowa law requires that a manure management plan (MMP) be submitted
to the DNR for confinement feeding operations meeting any of the
following criteria:
-
The operation has an
animal unit capacity of more than 500 animal units and the
operation was constructed or expanded after May 31, 1985;
-
The operation
proposes to construct a manure storage structure and will have an
animal unit capacity of more than 500 animal units; or,
-
A person applies
manure from a confinement feeding operation located outside of
Iowa on land in Iowa (does not apply if the operation's capacity
is 500 animal units or less).
Manure management plans
are not required for open feedlots, except when specifically
required as part of a permit or an agreement with the DNR. Owners of
a combination open feedlot and confinement operation must file an
MMP for the confinement operation if the confinement facilities have
capacity for more than 500 animal units.
As of October 25, 2004,
confinement producers who are required to submit manure management
plans (MMP) must include the phosphorus (P) index when developing an
original MMP. Producers who submitted an original MMP prior to
October 25, 2004, will need to use the P index when preparing their
MMP.
