Nutrient management

As defined by the Environmental Protection Agency[1], nutrient management is managing the amount, form, placement, and timing of application of nutrients (whether as animal waste, commercial fertilizer, or other form of nutrients) to plants. The purpose is to supply plant nutrients for optimum forage and crop yields, minimize entry of nutrients to surface and groundwater, and maintain or improve condition of soil.

The term sometimes has pejorative conotations by those who oppose factory farms.