Do you need a Manure Management Plan (MMP) based on the Phosphorus Index
(P Index) beginning with your first MMP update after Aug. 25, 2006? If you do and your update is due this fall, you should be taking 10-acre grid soil samples now!

All confinement sites with more than 500 animal units (1,250 head of hogs over 55 lbs. or 5,000 hogs between 15 and 55 lbs.) and built or expanded after May 31, 1985, will need an MMP based on the P Index. The Phosphorus-based plans are phased-in based on when an original MMP was submitted to the DNR.

As set out in this chart, if you submitted an original MMP between April 1, 2002, and Oct. 24, 2004, you must submit a P Index with your first annual MMP update after Aug. 25, 2006. If your plan is in this category, you may receive a letter from the DNR stating that you need to update your plan to include the
P Index. However, even if you aren't notified by DNR, the rules require that you comply with the P Index MMP requirements that apply to your operation.

What will you need to develop a P Index-based MMP that you didn't need under the Nitrogen-based plan? Have you soil tested?

If you're required to switch over to a P-based plan this fall, you will need soil samples to prepare the
P Index-based MMP! Each field must be sampled at least once every four years. Each soil sample must be limited to 10 acres. Each soil sample is required to have at least 10 soil cores distributed throughout the sampling area. Each core must include at least the top six inches of soil. Soil samples must be analyzed at a lab certified for the Iowa Department of Agriculture.

Have you included NCRS RUSLE2? This is a profile erosion calculation for each field included in the MMP. The MMP must include this calculation indicating the inputs and results of RUSLE2 for each field in the plan and must be submitted to the DNR.

Have you determined the phosphorus index on each field included in the MMP? You must submit a NRCS P Index detailed report containing a P Index for each field in the MMP.

For a complete list of DNR forms based on the P Index, call the Iowa Pork Producers Association
at (800) 372-7675 or visit http://www.iowadnr.com/afo/forms.html. A list of service providers who prepare MMPs is located at http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/immag/spprivmmp.htm.