Join NOFA NJ and John Kluthe for an overview of Nutrient Management and Soil Health, part two of a three-part webinar series on farm conservation planning and soil health.
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This Nutrient Management and Soil Health session will delve into aspects of sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between nutrient management and soil health. It will commence with an exploration of the fundamental role healthy soils play in crop production, proceeding to dissect various nutrient management strategies. The significance of crop rotation and cover crops in fostering sustainable nutrient management practices will be underscored, emphasizing their role in reducing nutrient runoff and erosion. Microbial soil health will emerge as a key theme, with experts delving into the importance of beneficial microbes in nutrient cycling and overall plant growth. The session will provide a comprehensive overview of nutrient management and soil health, offering a roadmap for integrating advanced technologies, promoting sustainable practices, and cultivating a shared commitment to the future of agriculture
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John Kluthe, owner of Kluthe Environmental Services, is a NRCS Technical Service Provider (TSP), Nutrient Management Planner (NMP), Certified Conservation Planner (CCP), and Certified Crop Advisor (CCA). John holds a B.S. in Agronomy and a M.S. in Forestry. He has worked with federal conservation assistance programs for over 20 years, including time spent as a District Conservationist with NRCS AR and NRCS NJ as well as several years with the New Jersey State Agricultural Development Committee (SADC).

John’s work focuses on conservation planning that protects natural resources while encouraging maximum production and comprehensive nutrient management planning (CNMP) that provides livestock owners and importers of manures with a prescription that ensures the proper rate, source, timing, and placement. Currently, John owns and operates Kluthe Environmental Services, where he works with farmers and landowners to implement these conservation plans and practices and assists farmers with accessing federal funding opportunities that support conservation. John is currently in training for the NRCS Transition to Organic Design assistance and will use this to connect more organic and transitioning farmers to conservation practices.

This webinar is made possible via the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) in partnership with Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO). USDA TOPP provides regionally-based farmer mentorship, training, and education. Partnering organizations in six regions connect farmers with local mentors and provide education and technical assistance on agronomy, certification, extension, conservation planning, business development regulations, and marketing. TOPP is part of the USDA’s Organic Transition Initiative (OTI), which is focused on supporting and strengthening organic markets.

Interested in becoming a Mentor, Mentee, or a project partner through TOPP? Learn more at organictransition.org