The mission of the Cornell University's Nutrient Management Spear Program is to assess current knowledge, identify research and educational needs, conduct applied, field and laboratory-based research, facilitate technology and knowledge transfer, and aid in the on-farm implementation of beneficial strategies for field crop nutrient management, including timely application of organic and inorganic nutrient sources to improve profitability and competitiveness of New York State farms while protecting the environment. Our vision: Improved profitability and compatitiveness of New York dairy, livestock, and cash grain operations while maximizing environmental protection. Our motto: Relevant questions and sound science for agricultural profitability and protection of the environment. For more information about our program and focus areas see our NMSP Flyer and/or sign up for our newsletter The Spear.
News
- 7/10/2026: Field Note: Coming Full Circle: Sarah Flanagan '26 Strengthens Her Love of Ag.
- 7/6/2026: What's Cropping Up? Article: What's Driving Yield Stability in New York Corn Fields?
- 6/29/2026: What's Cropping Up? Article: What to Do With Headlands? Impact of Headland on Soybean Yield.
- 6/25/2026: New Journal Article: Impact of Headland on Soybean Yield.
- 6/17/2026: News: Incubation Studies Enhance On-Farm Research, Inform Manure Crediting.
- 6/13/2026: New Journal Article: Integrating Soil Health and Manure Practices to Advance Sustainability for US Dairy Farms.
- 6/11/2026: Field Note: Empowering Future Crop Advisors and Leaders in Ag: Matt Haycook.
- 6/8/2026: What's Cropping Up? Article: Three-year Payoff: Nitrogen Fertilizer Savings and Corn Yield Gains from Manure Across Three Trials.
- 5/23/2026: New Journal Article: Decoding Drivers of Corn Yield Stability Zones in New York using Topography and Soil Fertility.
- 5/12/2026: Field Note: Gabby Garcia: "We Will Never Stop Learning".
- 5/3/2026: Do You Know Your Farm's Footprint? Whole Farm Nutrient Mass Balance Assessment and Greenhouse Gas Footprint. Complete Additional Input Sheets for Your Farm Carbon Footprint Too! Fillable PDF Input Data Sheets, Excel Input Data Spreadsheet, Input Data Sheet Instructions for NMB and GHG, Dairy Footprinting Invitation.
- 5/3/2026: Join our Power of Manure Project! Power of Manure Project. More Details: Power of Manure Project Protocol.
- 5/3/2026: Interested in Biodiversity? Join Us: Above-Ground Biodiversity Assessment Conversation.
- 4/27/2026: Field Note: Research Reveals Tiling May Boost Corn Silage, Corn Grain and Soybean Yield.
- 4/25/2026: New Agronomy Fact Sheet: Quantifying GHG Inventories for Dairy Farms.
- 4/25/2026: Updated Agronomy Fact Sheet: N Guidelines for Corn Silage and Grain.
- 4/20/2026: What's Cropping Up? Article: Drained Fields, Steadier Yields? Tile Drainage and Yield Performance in New York Farms.
- 4/1/2026: What's Cropping Up? Article: In a Weather-Challenged Season, Manure Offset Nitrogen Fertilizer Needs and Increased Corn Silage and Grain Yields: Value of Manure Project 2025 Update.
- 3/16/2026: Progressive Dairy Article: Making Sense of Your Dairy's Greenhouse Gas Footprint.
- 3/16/2026: Progressive Dairy Article: Adaptive Nutrient Management Makes Sense!.
- 3/16/2026: Progressive Dairy Article: Balancing Potassium (K) Management of Alfalfa. When is Tool Much Indeed More than We Need?.
- 3/16/2026: Progressive Dairy Article: Agronomic and Economic Considerations for Home-Grown Grains.
Featured Links
- New York On-Farm Research Partnership.
- Cornell Nutrient Guidelines for CNMPs.
- Agronomy Factsheets.
- Impact Statements.
- Nutrient Management Tutorials.
- NMSP Social Media.
- Sign Up: NMSP Newsletter; the Spear.
- Cornell Corn Soil Database (Excel).
- Lunch with the NMSP! Webinars.
- Confidentiality Statement.
Featured Articles/Updates
- NRCCA Basic Training Manual: Pest Management; Crop Management; Soil & Water Management; Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management.
- Software: Whole Farm Nutrient Mass Balance and NY Phosphorus Index 2.0.
- Webpage: Northeast Region Phosphorus Index and Spreadsheet Calculator.
- Article: Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation Regulations and Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning in New York State; With Sustainable Practices, New York Dairy Farms Lower Emissions.
- NMSP is 25! Celebrating 25 Years of Sound Science Supporting New York Farmers.
- NMSP Team Receives the Outstanding Accomplishments in Extension / Outreach Award.
Upcoming Events
- Lunch with the NMSP! Webinar July 10, 2026 Register to attend: Potassium management. When is too much indeed more than we need?
- 2026 NRCCA Annual Training and Cornell Field Crop Dealer Meeting. Embassy Suites, Syracuse. December 2-3, 2026 (Full Days); December 16-17, 2026 Virtual (Half Days).
- 2026 CANVAS (ASA/CSSA/SSSA) Annual Meeting. Portland, OR. November 1-4, 2026.
Photo Gallery
Jobs and Internships
NMSP Laboratory
- Submission Form CSNT.
- CSNT Sampling Instructions.
- NMSP Laboratory Manual.
- Address for Samples: NMSP Laboratory, c/o Quirine Ketterings, 323 Frank Morrison Hall, Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14853.