Manitoba retailers and producers are advised that the Nutrient Application Ban will be implemented as scheduled, and there will be no provincial variance issued.

Nutrients cannot be applied on or after November 10, 2019.

The winter nutrient application ban applies to nutrient sources containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus, including livestock manure and inorganic fertilizer, and will remain in place until April 10, 2020.

In a statement issued on Nov. 7 by the Water Science and Watershed Management Branch of Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development, Senior Land-Water Specialist Brian Wiebe said, “Based on current soil conditions and the weather forecast, the consensus is that the incorporation, banding or injection of nutrients will no longer be possible by November 10th and as a result a provincial or regional variance for application of nutrients (nitrogen or phosphorus containing materials) will not be issued this fall.”

The Manitoba Conservation and Climate department recognizes that the wet September weather has placed manure management challenges on the livestock industry. Producers who face the risk of manure breaching their storage facilities can apply for emergency authorization to apply manure after Nov. 10. Please click here for information on how to apply for emergency authorization. Requests will be reviewed/approved within 24 hours.

Additional Information

To address some of the concerns that producers may have regarding their fall fertility program, John Heard of Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development and Don Flaten from the University of Manitoba have prepared an informative factsheet: Nitrogen Fertilization Considerations for an Unusually Wet Fall: Challenges and Opportunities.

Complete details of Manitoba Sustainable Development, Restrictions on Winter Applications of Nutrients can be found here, or by contacting Environmental Approvals Branch at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at (204) 945 8321.