4R – Nutrient Management

What is 4R Nutrient Stewardship?

Fertilizers are important inputs for farm business owners. They supply essential nutrients for crops, helping plants grow and increase yields. The 4R Nutrient Stewardship (Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time and Right Place) helps cultivate the soil in a sustainable manner.

4R - Right source Right rate Right time Right place

The 4R Program is part of the implementation of MAPAQ’s 2020-2030 Sustainable Agriculture Plan, supporting the Québec government’s climate change and sustainable development commitments.

Information Brochure

To know more about the 4R Nutrient Stewardship and its benefits, see our brochure!

Download brochure (in French) [PDF]

Goals of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship

Optimizing nutrient absorption by crops and minimizing nutrient losses
- Increasing farm profitability
Creating positive long-term effects on bodies of water around farm areas
Encouraging the sharing of information on responsible nutrient stewardship among nutrient service providers
- Improving homogeneity when sharing agronomic expertise
Helping the agricultural sector to adapt to new research and technologies in the nutrient stewardship area
Creating a common training for crop nutrition professionals
Promoting good practices and educating the general public

Training and Certification

To obtain the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification in Québec, you must successfully complete the two following training courses (passing grade: 80%), then fill out the acreage declaration form.

Check our ~~sommaire des heures de formation continue accréditées~~ with the Ordre des agronomes du Québec and the Ordre des technologues du Québec to know the number of hours that can be recognized for your career record.

Step 1 | Prerequisite Training–Nutrient Stewardship in Québec

The first training session on the 4R Stewardship was offered in person in winter 2020 to more than 150 people.

The training session is now available on our website (click the button below) as well as in E-learning format on ~~Fertilizer Canada website~~. It is a prerequisite to Module 1 “Soil Health”.

More information on prerequisite training (French)

Step 2 | Module 1 “Soil Health”

A training session for Module 1 “Soil Health”, was offered as a webinar and in person during winter 2002, and is now available via webcasting.

Before following this training session, participants seeking the certification must have successfully completed the “4R Nutrient Stewardship in Québec” basic training (see above).

More information on module 1 (French)

Step 3 | Declaration of acreage under 4R Stewardship

After successfully completing the two previous training sessions, the Declaration of acreage under 4R Stewardship form must be filled out to help measure the program’s outreach.

Note: Advisors that have successfully completed these training sessions will receive the link to the form by email.