In short: the phosphorus balance is an annual obligation for farms subject to an AEPW. Produced under the signature of an agronomist and submitted to the ministry before May 15, it compares the applicable phosphorus per plot to what is actually spread.
In this article:
What is the phosphorus balance?
The phosphorus balance sheet, produced annually, verifies that the phosphorus applied to each plot does not exceed what it can receive. This is one of the obligations arising from the Agricultural Operations Regulation, in addition to the PAEF.
Who must produce it and when?
Any business operating a livestock facility or spreading site subject to a phosphorus agroenvironmental plan (PAP) must produce and submit an annual phosphorus balance sheet to the ministry before May 15 of each year, signed by an agronomist.
How does it work?
The assessment compares, for each plot, the maximum quantity of phosphorus that can be applied, established according to the phosphorus richness of the soil, with the quantity actually supplied by fertilizers and manure. An excess indicates that fertilization or the distribution of fertilizing materials must be adjusted.
The role of soil testing
Soil fertility is measured through soil tests, which must be repeated every five years. These tests are the foundation of the nutrient balance sheet: without up-to-date soil data, it is impossible to correctly calculate the permitted application rates. This is also why good monitoring of soil tests makes all compliance easier.
Prepare it without pain
The phosphorus balance uses the same data as the PAEF: plots, soil analyses, applied rates, yields. When this information is centralized in My Forage System, the agronomist has direct access to the up-to-date history and produces the report more quickly, without chasing numbers. MSF is the data source; the report remains the responsibility of the agronomist. For official references, consult the Ministry of the Environment and the’Ordre des agronomes du Québec.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the phosphorus balance due?
Before May 15 of each year.
Who needs to sign it?
An agronomist.
How often should soil be tested?
Every five years, to establish the wealth of the plots.
Who is affected?
Companies subject to a PAEF (manure management, solid manure exceeding the 1600 kg phosphorus threshold, or large spreading area).
In summary
The phosphorus balance sheet is the annual requirement that completes the FEPP: it keeps inputs under control, field by field, before May 15. Since everything relies on up-to-date soil and spreading data, centralizing them in My Forage System makes the exercise significantly simpler. Overview in our guide to the agri-environmental regulation.