Applicability to Various Sectors

Operations in Zones N1, N2, and N3

• Zones N1 (Canada Land Inventory (CLI) class 1, 2 or 3 lands other than those bearing a “M” limitation), N2 (CLI class 3 lands bearing a “M” limitation, class 4 and 5 lands except 5M if irrigated), and N3 (CLI class 5 lands not captured in zone N2) cover approximately 80 % of central and southern Manitoba. The regulation would come into effect for existing operations on January 1, 2011 and immediately for new or expanding operations. Compliance can be achieved by meeting the soil nitrate-nitrogen limits and phosphorus thresholds or registering a nutrient management plan.

Operations in Zone N4

• Zone N4 (CLI class 6 and 7 lands and unimproved organic soils) is considered environmentally sensitive. The majority of these lands are not presently cropped. Zone N4 consists of landscapes with steep slopes, stable and active sand dunes, marshes, bogs, fens, etc. No new operations will be allowed in Zone N4. The regulation applies to existing operations on January 1, 2009, but they may be allowed to continue in accordance with a registered nutrient management plan. Grazing will continue to be allowed in Zone N4.

Zone N5 - Urban and Built-up Areas

• Effective January 1, 2009, no one shall apply a fertilizer to turf containing more than 1 per cent phosphorus by weight, expressed as P₂O₅. An exception to this restriction includes newly established turf during the year of establishment as well as the year following establishment. Phosphorus-containing fertilizers can also be applied in situations where soil testing has been conducted and agronomic recommendations suggest the addition of a phosphorus-containing fertilizer. Flowerbeds, gardens, trees and shrubs are excluded from the phosphorus restrictions.

Nutrient Buffer Zones

• Nutrient Buffer Zones apply to all water bodies and groundwater features located across Manitoba including within urban and rural residential areas and within agricultural regions. As of January 1, 2009, nutrients arising from livestock manure, fertilizer, municipal wastewater sludge or biosolids can not be applied to areas within the Nutrient Buffer Zone. The width of the Nutrient Buffer Zone varies depending upon the nature of the body of water and is generally consistent with those contained in the Livestock Manure and Mortalities Management Regulation.

Golf Courses

• Golf courses will be required to submit nutrient management plans by 2009 and, similar to other sectors, will not be able to apply nutrients to Nutrient Buffer Zones beyond 2009. Existing golf courses could continue to apply nutrients in Zone N4 if supported by registered nutrient management plans.

Biosolids

• Beginning in 2011, municipalities will no longer be allowed to apply wastewater sludge and biosolids during the winter period. This is generally consistent with requirements for the livestock sector.

Restriction on Winter Application of Nutrients

• Synthetic fertilizers, municipal wastewater sludges or biosolids containing nitrogen or phosphorus can not be applied to land between November 10th of one year and April 10th of the following year effective January 1, 2009 for Nutrient Management Zone N4 and January 1, 2011 for Nutrient Management Zones N1, N2 and N3.

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