4R Principles

4R Nutrient Stewardship principles include using the right nutrient source, at the right rate, at the right time, in the right place.

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4R Benefits

4R Nutrient Stewardship looks at decision management in the context of the economic, environmental, and social impacts of a practice. Another way to look at these factors is Profit, Planet & People.

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Resources

Applying the 4R concept on an individual farm involves many interrelated decisions throughout the growing season that are based on environmental conditions, the landowner’s performance objectives and management considerations.

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About Us

The Mid-Atlantic 4R Nutrient Stewardship Association is a non-profit organization whose members include the Delaware-Maryland 4R Alliance and the Pennsylvania 4R Alliance. We provide information and outreach to farmers, ag service providers and others about the benefits of 4R nutrient stewardship, as well as practical guidance on how to implement new management strategies.

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Our Team

Right Source

The right source matches fertilizer type to crop needs, to ensure a balanced supply of essential nutrients, considering both naturally available sources and the characteristics of specific products, in plant available forms.

Right Rate

The right rate matches the amount of fertilizer to crop needs, by assessing and making decisions based on soil nutrient supply and plant demand.

Right Time

The right time makes nutrients available when crops need them, by assessing and making decisions based on the dynamics of crop uptake, soil supply, nutrient loss risks, and field operation logistics.

Right Place

The right place applies and keeps nutrients where crops can use them, by addressing root-soil dynamics and nutrient movement, and manage spatial variability within the field to meet site-specific crop needs and limit potential losses from the field.

Latest News

Learn to Maximize Manure Value with the 4Rs of Nutrient Stewardship

Free Webinar: “The 4Rs of Dairy Manure” June 10th at 10:00 AM Chester, Maryland – June 3, 2025 – Farmers, agronomists, and agricultural professionals are invited to a free, practical webinar titled “The 4Rs of Dairy Manure” on June 10th at 10:00 AM. This session will explore how to make the most of dairy manure using the 4Rs of […]

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4Rs and Fertility

Wednesday, March 5, 2025 (Chester, Maryland) – Over 130 attendees across the region joined the Mid-Atlantic 4R Nutrient Stewardship Association’s “Testing Efficiency February Webinar” on Monday the 24th. Key takeaways from the audience included: global use of fertilizer and manufacturing, benefits and challenges of crop residue, as well as 4R cost-share findings. The morning webinar […]

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