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Soil health and conservation play a key role in environmental stewardship. Whether the agriculture industry is discussing the efficient and responsible use of nutrients to farmers, or the science behind sustainable food production to youth, soil conservation is always an underlying priority.
Plants require 17 essential nutrients, the three main being nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, otherwise known as NPK. Determining the correct balance can be done by implementing 4R Nutrient Stewardship (Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place®). A science-based program focused on sustainable agriculture, 4R Nutrient Stewardship seeks to balance nutrient management decisions within a framework of economic, social, and environmental goals. This program is proving to be increasingly effective for farmers and is being applied to an approximate one million acres in Western Canada alone.
Ensuring youth know the science behind food production is critical for them to make informed decisions. The best management practices incorporated in 4R Nutrient Stewardship are based on generations of soil science research, providing a framework for understanding how plants absorb nutrients. Implementing nutrient stewardship practices also ensures society’s soil, water, and air is protected in a sustainable way.
Learning about the 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework helps the next generation understand the role of soil science in agricultural sustainability. By educating students about nutrient stewardship using our curriculum and on the importance of implementing environmentally responsible practices, Canada’s education system is creating well-informed stewards of our lands.
Nutrients for Life is supported by:
The translation of our website has been made possible by the Government of Canada
