Maps are an integral part of a CNMP (Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan) to make sure everyone is talking about the same parcel of land. Individuals involved in a farm operation tend to refer to the same field in different ways. Father calls the field one name, son calls the field another thing, and the hired help call the field something else. The USDA agencies use a farm, tract, and field numbering system; the crop consultant uses a different numbering scheme. The only way to be sure that everyone is talking about the same parcel of land is to draw it on a map and give it a name or number on the map. Then everyone involved in the operations on that field can refer to the field by the same name or number.

Another important use for the map is to highlight any features of a field that may warrant special consideration in the planning process or during field operations. Features such as waterways, wells, sinkholes, and rock outcrops should be located on the maps with appropriate setbacks delineated. Locating these spreading setbacks on the map will remind the equipment operators to turn off spreaders at the appropriate time, etc. The locations of any pumps and pipelines should also be noted.

Another benefit of mapping the fields on a farm in a computer program is that you then have the ability to print out a layout of all of the farm fields as well as roads and streams. On farms with numerous fields scattered across multiple towns, this “bird's-eye view” of the farm has in some cases allowed the farmer to visualize the farm as a whole for the first time. Maps can also be useful when someone unfamiliar with the parcel needs to know how to get there if the town roads, farm lanes, and field access points are included on the map.

There are multiple sources of maps available to producers on the Web. The USDA NRCS Web Soil Survey is an excellent resource for obtaining maps for your farm.

Author: Richard Meinert, Extension Educator, University of Connecticut