4R Nutrient Stewardship Online Training Now Available on GrowZone

OTTAWA, Dec. 3, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Fertilizer Institute (CFI) has launched a 4R Nutrient Stewardship Online Training Course to inform farmers and agri-retailers on ways to improve fertilizer application. 4R Nutrient Stewardship (Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place®) supports cropping systems that provide economic, social and environmental benefits.

"The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Online Training Course was developed because CFI recognized the importance of sustainable agricultural production and efficient fertilizer use," explains Roger Larson, President of CFI. By following the 4R system farmers can increase yields on existing cropland (conserving non-cropland for other uses), replace the nutrients growing plants remove from the soil, and return more organic carbon to the soil, which results in greater soil health and added benefits for the environment.

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship System (4Rs) provides a framework to ensure whether a given crop has access to the necessary nutrients. Properly managed fertilizers increases profitability and decreases nutrient losses to the land and air.

"This course takes an in-depth look at the principles, practices and planning required to develop and implement a 4R plan on-farm," said Dan Heaney, course developer. "The goal of GrowZone online training is to provide farmers, certified crop advisers and agri-retailers, with easy access to the required tools they need to meet cropping system goals in today's environment."

Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs) can visit CFI's GrowZone online training website to learn about the fertilizer industry's Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) and earn continuing education units (CEU) from the comfort of their own home. The 4R Online Training Course provides board approved self-study CEUs in order to help CCAs stay at the top of their field and keep their certification current. CCAs can obtain all of the required nutrient management credits for a two year period through this 4R Online Training Course.

Here's why farmers and CCAs should take the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Online Training Course:

• For farmers: This course will deepen understanding of nutrient management in crop production and increase interest in adopting 4R Nutrient Stewardship on the farm.

• For practicing agronomists: This course will provide a solid understanding of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship System and will assist in making better nutrient recommendations to farm clients.

• For Certified Crop Advisers:  This course will award 5.5 Nutrient Management self-study CEUs.

• For interested students: This course will provide a framework for knowledge concerning nutrient management in crop production.

To begin 4R Nutrient Stewardship Online Training, please visit www.cfi.ca/growzone.

The Canadian Fertilizer Institute is an industry association representing manufacturers, wholesale and retail distributors of nitrogen, phosphate, potash and sulphur fertilizers. Our mission is to be the unified voice of the Canadian fertilizer industry by promoting the responsible, sustainable and safe production, distribution and use of fertilizers. Our industry employs 12,000 Canadians and contributes $12 billion annually to Canada's economy. Our products contribute to the supply of safe, nutritious food in Canada and around the world.

SOURCE: Canadian Fertilizer Institute

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