Frequently Asked Questions About NMAN 2.1 and NMAN3

Table of Contents

1. General Questions
2. Frequently Asked Questions of NMAN 2 Users

General Questions

Q. Is NMAN3 being revised to accomodate preparation of a NMS/P?

Yes. NMAN3 has been updated to do both NMS/Ps and NASM Plans; as well as separate MSTOR and Field Management Plans.

Q. Does NMAN3 (v3.2) replace NMAN 2.1?

Yes. The December 2012 release of NMAN3 (v3.2) now includes all the functionality from NMAN 2.1, as well as all the existing NASM functionality in the previous NMAN3 release (v3.1). There will only be one version of NMAN moving forward.

Q. Can I still use NMAN 2.1 to prepare NMS/Ps?

Yes, until June 15, 2013. NMSs submitted after June 15, 2013 must be prepared with the current version of NMAN3.

Frequently Asked Questions for NMAN Users

Q. Where does NMAN store my files?

A. NMAN files save as ".nm3" or ".nm2" (depending on the version you are using) files, which can be stored anywhere on your computer. Once you begin using NMAN, the "open" function defaults to the last directory from which you opened a file. When you install a new version of NMAN, the program automatically selects the 'My Documents' folder for saved NMAN files.

Q. How do I print in NMAN?

A. Click on the "Print" icon on the "Main" toolbar. NMAN prints to an Acrobat file. You may then print your file from Acrobat Reader. If you do not have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, you can visit the Adobe website and download the Reader.

Q. What do the different flags represent in NMAN?

A. NMAN uses a colour scheme to flag numbers that fall in or out of an acceptable range.

• A green flag indicates the value received is within an acceptable range.
• A yellow flag indicates a caution flag (indicated by a yield sign on printouts). With suitable management practices, caution flags are acceptable. Additional documentation is required to justify caution flags when submitting a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) or Nutrient Management Strategy (NMS) for review.
• An orange flag indicates a specific approval from the Director is required for NASM plans.
• A red flag indicates a warning flag (indicated by a stop sign on printouts). A warning flag represents an area of environmental concern. Changes are needed in the nutrient planning system to eliminate these flags. Only under special circumstances, a NMP or NMS submitted for approval under the Nutrient Management Act (NMA) with warning flags may be acceptable.

Q. What should I enter for the "Operation ID" on the "Farm Unit" screen in NMAN?

A. Nothing. Upon submission, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) will label each regulated NMP with an Operation ID.

Q. Can I open a file created in an older version of NMAN in NMAN3?

A. Yes, NMAN3 opens and upgrades files created in NMAN programs from 2003-04. Once you have upgraded a file, it is important to update the flags and calculations in your file. It is also important to review the entire file because many calculations have changed and will have an affect on your previously calculated values. The calculations changed due to a regulation amendment, which is why we strongly recommend you review the entire file. Special attention should be paid to the MSTOR and Material Transfer sections of your file as these sections have undergone the most changes.

Q. How do I represent manure deposited on pasture in MSTOR?

A. When adding livestock in MSTOR a new manure form is available: Pasture. Using the input fields on the Livestock Information screen you can enter the appropriate utilization time that your animals will be on pasture. Pasture material is represented as Grazing Units (GU) and is not included in the "material remaining" calculations.

Q. If I change the file type after I have entered information will I lose my data in NMAN?

A. No, you can change your file type at anytime without losing any entered information. The file type changes the tabs and calculations available in a file.

Q. What do each of the acronyms means in NMAN?

Here is the glossary of terms:

• BMP: Best Management Practice
• Grazing Unit (GU): The amount of nutrients, generated from livestock when kept on pasture
• Imp: Imperial units of measurement
• Material: Prescribed Materials as defined by the Nutrient Management Act
• MSTOR: Manure Storage Sizing Program
• NASM: Non-agricultural Source Material
• NMA: Nutrient Management Act
• NMAN: Nutrient Management Program
• NMP: Nutrient Management Plan
• NMS: Nutrient Management Strategy
• NU: Nutrient Unit as defined by the Nutrient Management Act
• P.Mat'l: See Material
• SI: Metric units of measurement
• US: US Imperial units of measurement
• Watercourse: Surface water as defined by the Nutrient Management Act