Which practice is discouraged in effective nutrient management?

The unregulated application of fertilizers is discouraged in effective nutrient management because it can lead to several environmental and agricultural issues. Proper nutrient management requires careful planning and application of fertilizers based on soil testing, crop needs, and environmental considerations. Unregulated applications can result in excess nutrients being introduced to the soil, which may leach into groundwater or runoff into waterways, causing problems such as water pollution, eutrophication, and harm to aquatic ecosystems.

Conversely, regular soil testing, using crop rotations, and implementing buffer strips near waterways are all practices that contribute positively to soil health and environmental protection. Regular soil testing ensures that nutrient applications are based on actual soil needs, crop rotations improve soil structure and nutrient cycling, and buffer strips act as natural filters to reduce nutrient runoff into water bodies.