Minnesota spatial framework for tracking agricultural nutrient budget

The goal of this project is to design and implement a spatial framework for agricultural nutrient budget assessment and tracking in the state of Minnesota. This analysis can be repeated on a defined frequency to assess progress toward narrowing the difference between applied nutrients and crop nutrient needs across the State. The work conducted will provide an improved nutrient budget assessment, maps to use when looking at nutrient balance results in watersheds around the state, and a framework from which future nutrient budget assessments can become more accurate. The spatial framework will provide a platform for integration with other data layers, water quality monitoring, and nutrients models. The analysis can be used as one measure of gauging room for improvement with fertilizer and manure management across the state. The results can be used to improve watershed models and best management practice (BMP) estimation tools, which can then be used for improved conservation practice and nutrient management analysis. Additionally, the results can help inform where to prioritize watershed monitoring, conservation funding, landowner outreach, feedlot inspections, and BMP implementation. The nutrient balance spatial framework can also be used to determine where more study is needed when considering adding large numbers of livestock.