Best management practices, or BMPs, are cost-efficient processes and activities that improve many aspects of daily life, from healthcare to food service. Agricultural BMPs aim to reduce water use and water quality impacts on farms and ranches while improving or maintaining soil. Additional BMPs focus on forestry practices and lawn care. In Florida, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) adopts by rule specific BMP manuals as a part of the state’s water quality policy.
The application of scientific and technical principles in the management of natural resources, such as land, water, soil, plants and animals, in order to meet ecological, economic, social and policy objectives. [NALT]
Nutrient management is the science and practice directed to link soil, crop, weather, and hydrologic factors with cultural, irrigation, and soil and water conservation practices to achieve optimal nutrient use efficiency, crop yields, crop quality, and economic returns, while reducing off-site transport of nutrients (fertilizer) that may impact the environment.
The process an organization undertakes to minimize financial, health or other risks by identifying potential hazards or adverse effects and by planning for and handling incidents which do occur in such a manner that their effect and cost are minimized.