Overview
AgriSuite (previously named NMAN) is a suite of free web-based decision support tools.
The tools can help you determine the best way to store, treat and use materials — such as manure — on your farm. These methods are referred to as “best management practices.”
The tools on AgriSuite can help you determine the best management practices for your farm, which in turn will:
- save money by improving the amount of fertilizer and other materials used
- reduce the environmental impact of on-farm generated nutrients
- protect drinking water sources
- reduce soil erosion and maintain soil productivity
- manage the beneficial use of off-farm wastes on agricultural land
AgriSuite can also be used to help farmers meet their obligations under the Nutrient Management Act, 2002.
About the tools
Crop Nutrient Decision Support Tool
The Crop Nutrient Decision Support Tool provides:
- agronomic crop nutrient recommendations (N-P-K), based on soil test values, geographic location and yield goal
- nutrient removal values from harvested crops
Organic Amendment Decision Support Tool
The Organic Amendment Decision Support Tool helps determine nutrients supplied from manure inputs.
This tool will calculate the amount of crop-available nutrients (N-P-K) and applied micronutrients) for each proposed application of organic amendments.
Fertilizer Decision Support Tool
The Fertilizer Decision Support Tool determines the total commercial fertilizer needs for a single field.
It aids in formulating suitable fertilizer blends (N-P-K and micronutrients) to meet crop requirements.
Phosphorus Loss Assessment Tool for Ontario (PLATO)
PLATO determines the risk of phosphorus leaving a farm field by considering the:
- field’s natural characteristics
- management practices used for crop production
Field Management Plan
The Field Management Plan combines the functions of the individual tools to offer support with comprehensive field-by-field nutrient management planning for optimizing crop nutritional needs while considering the environment.
Manure Storage Sizing Tool
The Manure Storage Sizing Tool helps plan and size the infrastructure needed to store all nutrient-rich materials generated on farm operations.
Greenhouse Gas Decision Support Tool
The Greenhouse Gas Decision Support Tool estimates greenhouse gas emissions from crop and livestock farms and allows users to test possible ways to reduce emissions and sequester carbon by implementing various beneficial management practices.
A summary of the methodology and assumptions used to estimate greenhouse gas emissions in the tool is available.
AgErosion
AgErosion helps plan and size commonly-applied agricultural erosion control structures for managing concentrated runoff and controlling associated water-induced erosion on agricultural lands.
Examples include:
- grassed waterways
- water and sediment control basins (WASCoBs)
- rock chutes
Land improvement contractors, drainage engineers and others who have a background in rural water management may find this tool helpful.
Nutrient Management Strategy and Plan
The Nutrient Management Strategy and Plan estimates:
- manure production
- storage size
It helps certified consultants and farmers, or those seeking certification, to prepare a strategy or plan for regulatory purposes under the Nutrient Management Act.
Non-Agricultural Source Materials (NASM) Plan
The Non-Agricultural Source Materials (NASM) Plan calculates the amount of non-agricultural source materials and nutrients that can be applied to a specific field.
Greenhouse Nutrient Feedwater (GNF) Worksheet
The Greenhouse Nutrient Feedwater (GNF) Worksheet estimates:
- GNF production
- storage sizing
- land application methods
It helps certified consultants and greenhouse operators prepare required legal documents for regulatory purposes under the Nutrient Management Act.
Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) I & II
The Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) I & II tools allow users to:
- calculate MDS setbacks
- determine if a proposed land use application or building permit can meet provincial and municipal requirements
All of the tools can be accessed from the AgriSuite main page.
How to use AgriSuite
You can use most of the tools on AgriSuite without creating an account.
The benefit of creating an account is that it lets you save your work.
Create an account
- Go to the AgriSuite home page.
- Select the “Create account” button.
- Enter your email address and select the “Send verification code” button.
- You will get a verification code in your email. Enter the code into the “Verification Code” field and select the “Verify code” button.
- Create a password and enter it into the “New Password” and “Confirm New Password” fields.
- Select the “Create” button.
- You will be redirected to the home page. Select the “Sign in” button and you will be signed into your new account.