Nutrient Management Incentive Payment Program
Overview
The University of Missouri’s Nutrient Management program supports Missouri corn producers in improving corn nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) through 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles.
Participants receive an incentive payment for implementing a two-pass nitrogen fertilizer system to improve in-season nutrient management.
Questions about the Nutrient Management Program may be directed to to Missouri CRCL team at mocrcl@missouri.edu or to Bethany Bedeker at bedekerb@missouri.edu.
The 2026 application period was August 1 – October 17, 2025.
Check back later for information about the next enrollment opportunity.
Program Summary
Eligible Acres: Missouri fields planted to corn in 2026
Practice Requirement:
- Implement a two-pass nitrogen application system with at least 25% of total N applied in-season (after crop emergence)
Participation Requirements:
- Work with a 4R Certified retailer/advisor
- Use grid or zone soil sampling (≤ 25 acres) taken within the last 4 years
- Complete 4R educational videos (~30 minutes total)
Program Requirements & Details
This program expands upon previous Missouri Soil and Water Conservation efforts that engaged producers through their supporting ag retailers/advisors in 4R Nutrient Stewardship. The Missouri CRCL Nutrient Management program expands those efforts statewide, with a focus on corn nitrogen use efficiency (NUE).
Participation Requirements
To qualify for incentive payments, producers must:
- Implement a Two-Pass Nitrogen Application System
- Nitrogen fertilizer must be applied in at least two separate passes, with at least 25% of the total fertilizer nitrogen applied after crop emergence.
- Example: 150 lbs N/acre applied pre-plant (as AA. and inhibitor) + 60 lbs N/acre side-dressed (UAN) = 28.6% applied within season
- Note: Nitrogen from other sources, such as a legumes, manures, compost, biosolids, organic material, leftover fertilizer from previous crop, irrigation, or biological amendments, does not factor in to these calculations.
- Work with a 4R Certified Retailer/Advisor
Participants must collaborate with a 4R Certified retailer/advisor when making nutrient management decisions for the enrolled acres. The statewide 4R Certifcation is led by the Missouri Fertilizer Control Board and promoted by the Missouri Agribusiness Association.
View current list of 4R Certified retailers/advisors here. - Use Soil Sampling for Nutrient Recommendations
Participants must demonstrate that they have used grid or zone soil sampling (≤ 25 acres per zone) for nutrient recommendations within the last 4 years for enrolled acres. Soil sampling completed in the fall of 2025 or spring of 2026 to guide nutrient decisions for the 2026 corn crop is acceptable. - Complete Educational Requirement
Participants must complete approximately 30 minutes of 4R educational videos, covering the principles of 4R Nutrient Management and how to improve nitrogen fertilizer use efficiency for corn production.
Payments & Eligibility
Payment details:
- Eligible producers growing corn may receive $20 per acre
- There is a maximum payment of $10,000 per enrollment period (up to 500 acres)
- Enrollment applies to the 2026 corn production year only.
- Payment is issued after practice implementation and program requirements have been submitted.
Other eligibility guidelines:
In addition to the program-specific guidelines listed on this page, participants must meet the general Missouri CRCL Project eligiblity requirements, detailed on this webpage (click here).
Participants must certify that they will not receive any publicly funded cost-share or incentive payments for Nutrient Management (CPS 590) on the same acres in the same year.
Although the previous $20,000 lifetime cap has been lifted, returning participants are encouraged to continue improving nutrient management practices beyond what was done in previous years.
Program Process
1. Apply
The application period for the 2026 corn production year is August 1 – October 17, 2025. Applications are submitted through the Missouri CRCL Project online platform (powered by FarmRaise). Creating an account and applying is free – no paid membership is required. When live, the application link can be found at the bottom of this webpage.
2. Application Approval
Applications are reviewed to confirm eligibility. Eligible applicants will receive an email notifying them of program acceptance and may be contacted to provide additional information needed to finalize participation.
3. Pre-Season Tasks
Prior to implementing the practice, complete the following items. These will be available in the online dashboard once the application is approved.
- Sign a contract
- Complete payment setup
- Upload an updated 2026 Subsidiary Print to confirm continued eligiblity
- Complete the required USDA Farm Information questionnaire
- Complete pre-practice activities, which includes the following:
- Watch educational videos
- Provide soil test documentation
- Describe planned 4R approach
4. Implementation
Implement the practice on enrolled corn acres, meeting the program requirements listed under the “Program Requirements & Details” section above. The guidelines for split application are as follows:
- Nitrogen fertilizer is applied in at least two passes
- At least 25% of the total nitrogen fertilizer (lbs of actual N) is applied after corn emergence
5. Documentation
Complete the final practice verification to demonstrate the use of the two-pass system where least 25% of the total fertilizer nitrogen was applied after crop emergence. This includes a report summarizing fertilizer rates, sources, and timing. It and should also include supporting documentation, such as fertilizer application records.
6. Receive payment
Payment will be made after the practice has been implemented and all tasks detailed above have been submitted and reviewed.