Who is the course designed for?

This course is available to all FACTS (Fertiliser Advisers Certification and Training Scheme) Qualified Advisers (FQAs) from 2010 onwards.  Current FQAs will need to complete this training course by December 2014 if they are to retain their FQA status beyond 2014. The same arrangement will apply to subsequent five-year periods and this time period for new FQAs will begin from the date that they qualify.

This course has been designed to help prepare FQAs to manage the challenges of the Water Framework Directive (its associated initiatives and regulations), greenhouse gas mitigation strategies and soil protection, whilst also improving farm profitability. FQAs now have recognized roles in implementing Nitrate Vulnerable Zones rules, the Code of Good Agricultural Practice and assurance schemes.

With all of this in mind industry leaders have urged the FACTS Committee to introduce this topic of training in Nutrient Management Planning as core CPD training.

Benefits

As a result of this course, participants will have undertaken a training programme that will enable them to have the right type of competency in nutrient management planning and associated practices. The need for appropriately qualified and proactive advisers to support the sustainable production of grassland, arable and horticultural crops is essential in the context of Catchment Sensitive Farming and pressures on farm profitability.

Detailed planning of plant and crop nutrition is required to reduce the environmental impact on soil, water and air. In addition, concerns over fertiliser security and traceability are being built into everyday nutrient management activities on farms and associated business enterprises and all advisers and agronomists need to be abreast of the latest requirements of the Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme.

Course content

There are six modules in this course which expand the skills already held by FQAs:

Module 1 – Achieving crop nitrogen utilisation efficiency

• Matching nitrogen inputs with crop or plant requirements
• Interaction of nitrogen with other nutrients
• Canopy management
• The concept of 'Nmax'
• Carbon footprint of nitrogen fertilisers and the reduction of emissions of other associated N gases

Module 2 – Managing farm phosphorus

• Matching phosphorus inputs with crop or plant requirements
• Phosphorus in water
• The concept of a Phosphorus Balance

Module 3 – Techniques for in-field nutrient management

• The use of soil sampling techniques, GPS, remote sensing and precision farming for nutrient management

Module 4 – Efficient use of manures and other organic materials

• Utilisation of manures and storage
• Application techniques
• Impact on fertiliser advice. Using software to provide recommendations

Module 5 – Integration of nutrient management decisions with environmental regulations and policies, including nutrient planning and record keeping

• Implications of NVZs on nutrient management, compliance with 'Nmax' and record keeping

Module 6 – Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme (FIAS) and farm security

• The purpose and scope of FIAS and the importance of fertiliser security on farm

Qualification

An optional examination will be available following each course. A successful candidate will qualify for the BASIS Nutrient Management Planning Certificate.

This course contributes to the BASIS Diploma in Agronomy and the newly accredited Harper Adams University College 'Graduate Diploma in Agronomy with Environmental Management'. This course also accrues 30 Continuing Professional Development points.

Other relevant courses

Advanced BASIS Crop Modules

Contact Us

Emma Welch
Short Course Officer
Email: Click here to contact Emma Welch
Telephone: +44 (0)1952 815300