4R nutrient stewardship provides a framework to achieve cropping system goals – increased production, increased farmer profitability, enhanced environmental protection, and improved sustainability. To achieve those goals the 4Rs utilize fertilizer best management practices that address the Right Fertilizer Source, at the Right Application Rate, the Right Time for the plant to utilize the nutrients, and in the Right Place for optimal crop uptake. The four “rights” are necessary for sustainable plant nutrition management. The assessment of any planned nutrient management practice must consider the economic, social, and environmental effects to determine whether or not it is a “right” practice for that system.

1. 4R Research Fund
Lara Moody, P.E.
Director of Stewardship Programs

2. 4R Nutrient Stewardship
• Improve agricultural production while
contributing to social well being and
minimizing environmental impacts
(benefits water and air quality)
• 4R represents the use of fertilizer Best
Management Practices to ensure:
• the right source
• at the right rate
• at the right time
• in the right place

3. 4R Nutrient Stewardship
• Match nutrient supply with crop
requirements and to minimize
nutrient losses from fields
• BMPs effecting fertilizer are site
specific
• Prevention vs. mitigation
• Fertilizer BMPs help prevent nutrient losses from occurring
• 4Rs work in conjunction with other conservation practices and
‘green infrastructure’

4. Cropping System Objective: Use emerging tools and technologies to maintain
responsible and sustainable agriculture.
2012 4R Advocate
1800 Acre Corn and
Soybean Operation
(some irrigation)
Average Yields:
224-260 bu/ac corn
62 – 81 bu/ac soy

5. Source
• Use N Stabilizers for Liquid
and Dry Forms
• P efficiency additives
• Multiple N forms
depending on timing
• Thiosulfate with irrigation if
needed
Rate
• Grid soil sample
• Account for previous year
nutrient credits
• Test irrigation water for N
content
Time
• No fall applications
• Split apply N
• Pre-season urea
• Pre-plant & side-dress
liquid UAN (inject)
• Tissue test in season as
needed
Place
• Variable rate seeding and
fertilizer apps.
• Auto-steer for all field
and spraying work
• Satellite imaging to help
assess efforts
• Inject nutrients when
applicable

6. Additional Practices
• Variable rate seeding to maximize yield and control input costs
• Plant 800 acres of cover crops for weed control and to
conserve moisture and nutrients
• Use irrigation management to avoid over or under watering
• Use retailers technology driven decision making tool (CPI-300)
• No-tills as many acres as possible
Uses an average
of 0.9 lb N/bu

7. Industry Efforts
Partnerships & Member Outreach
Research & Science
Awareness & Promotional Tools
Educational Tools & Resources
Evaluation of Implementation
Recognition
& Advocacy
Goals:
• Establish 4Rs as recognizable strategy for economic, social, and environmental sustainability
• Expand the implementation of 4Rs by service providers on the farm
• Increase awareness of these efforts to the public and policy developers worldwide

8. 4R Nutrient Stewardship
Research Fund
• Better understand air and water quality impacts of
on-farm stewardship practices
• Demonstrate to stakeholders and the public that fertilizer
nutrients are responsibly managed
• North American fertilizer industry has pledged $7 million to fund
the establishment of sustainability indicators and environmental
impact data for implementation of 4R nutrient stewardship
• Multi-year effort to measure and document the economic,
social, and environmental impacts of the 4Rs

9. 4R Nutrient Stewardship
Research Fund
• Will engage and leverage the resources of stakeholders who
have an interest in nutrient stewardship
• Will operate under IPNI’s Foundation for Agronomic Research
(FAR) and will be managed by a Fund Management Committee
• A technical advisory group of industry, academic, and
government experts in agronomy, environmental sciences,
sustainability, government relations and communications will
support the management committee