July / August, 2001
Michigan
State University Nutrient Management Program (MSUNM)
By: Al Go
MSUNM is a dynamic Nutrient Management Decision Support System (DSS). It incorporates the capability of strategic planning, tactical planning and record keeping of key activities that affect whole farm nutrient management. It's tactical planning feature and "tailor made" technical attributes for the state of Michigan make MSUNM the optimal Nutrient Management planning and analysis DDS tool for Michigan. This multi-disciplinary effort by the Agricultural Engineering and Crop and Soil Sciences departments at Michigan State University was initiated in response to needs expressed by farmers, commodity boards, AOE teams, and State agencies. The urgency for development of a more "user-friendly" and flexible nutrient management decision support system that provides dynamic strategic and tactical planning has been heightened by recent federal and state initiatives regarding nutrient monitoring and management practices in farming. MSUNM Flow DiagramInitial responses to the recently released windows version (February 2001) indicate a potential reduction of 10%-20% in commercial fertilizer costs when utilizing MSUNM to assist in nutrient management planning. An added benefit to users is compliance with pesticide monitoring, documentation and regulations regarding pesticide applications. It also provides the farm operator a management tool to facilitate implementation of Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPS) or development of a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP). However, the greatest impact of this software is in terms to reduction of critical non-point pollution due to extensive nutrient application. State wide cost figures to cleanup such environmental pollution could easily run into the billions if not properly monitored. For the latest updates regarding MSUNM you can visit the program web site at www.egr.msu.edu/age/msunm.
Agricultural
Engineering
Michigan State University
A.W. Farrall Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1323
(517) 355-4720
Questions or comments contact: webmaster
Newsletter Home| Agricultural Engineering Home | Michigan State University Home
July 30, 2001
