4R Nutrient Stewardship
Maintaining nutrient levels in our soil is a key tool for ensuring the soil’s longevity and its ability to grow the highest performing crops. Over time and use, soil nutrients are depleted, so it’s an important practice to ensure the 4Rs of Nutrient Stewardship: right source, right time, right rate, and right place, with the goal of optimizing the nutrients you apply to maximize plant uptake and minimize field losses.
4R Nutrient Stewardship is an internationally recognized program that allows growers to formally participate and implement the 4Rs on their farm and be recognized for practices they are likely inherently already doing. By working with a designated 4R agronomist to develop and execute a 4R plan, those acres can be submitted and recognized officially as 4R acres. By establishing 4R acres, you could be eligible for incentives through various programs.
Through the Canola Council’s 4R Advantage, there are many incentives available to help growers initiate or advance 4R Nutrient Stewardship on canola acres. These incentives include:
- Best Management Practices (BMPs) – growers can apply for funding of up to 85% reimbursement for costs associated with nitrogen management, such as:
- Soil testing
- Field zone mapping
- Enhanced efficiency fertilizer
- Preferred application
- Developing 4R Plans – growers can be reimbursed for up to 85% of the consulting fees paid for a 4R designated agronomist to develop a grower’s 4R Nutrient Stewardship Plan
At Sharpe’s, we are proud to support the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program. We have 4R designated agronomists ready to work with you to develop your plans and help you apply for your 4R certifications and incentives.
We know the importance of ensuring the sustainability of the land for years to come, and we are dedicated to supporting you through it.