What is the recommended practice before applying granular fertilizer or manure?

• A. To apply as soon as possible without forecasts.
• B. To maintain forecasts after rain.
• C. To print forecast information prior to planned applications and maintain it as part of the application record.
• D. To obtain forecasts only after application.

Answer: (C)

Using weather forecasts to guide the timing of granular fertilizer or manure applications and keeping a record of those forecasts is essential. Forecast information helps you decide when conditions are right to apply, reducing the risk of nutrient loss to runoff or leaching by avoiding planned applications before heavy rain or on saturated soils. Printing the forecast information before planned applications and including it in the application record creates a documented basis for your timing decisions, which supports accountability, regulatory compliance, and protection of water quality. It also provides useful evidence if questions arise about why a particular timing decision was made. Applying without any forecast ignores critical weather factors, waiting to obtain forecasts after the planned application misses the opportunity to prevent losses, and obtaining forecasts only after application fails to inform the decision in the first place.