What does a nutrient management plan aim to achieve?

A nutrient management plan is designed to manage and optimize the application of nutrients to crops, ensuring that plants receive the necessary elements for growth while minimizing environmental impacts. The focus is on balancing nutrient inputs with the specific requirements of the soil and crops being cultivated. This not only enhances crop yield and quality but also helps in preventing nutrient runoff and pollution, which is essential for sustainable farming practices.

Effective nutrient management involves evaluating soil tests, understanding crop nutrient needs, and timing applications appropriately to correspond with crop growth stages. By doing so, farmers can achieve more efficient use of fertilizers, which leads to healthier crops and improved soil health over time. This approach directly aligns with the goals of a nutrient management plan, making it the correct answer.