Which of the following is a major component of the Ontario Nutrient Management Act?

The Ontario Nutrient Management Act emphasizes the responsible management of nutrients to protect water quality, specifically from the impacts of agricultural practices. A major component of this Act is the registration of farming operations. This process ensures that agricultural businesses adhere to specific standards and practices that mitigate nutrient runoff into water bodies.

Registration typically involves keeping detailed records and following prescribed nutrient management strategies that align with the regulations set forth in the Act. This framework helps to ensure that the nutrients applied to crops are done so in a manner that minimizes environmental impact, particularly in relation to water contamination.

The other options do address important aspects of agricultural practice but do not directly pertain to the core components of the Nutrient Management Act. Regulation of pesticide use is covered under separate legislation focused on pest management and environmental safety. Water conservation strategies and soil erosion control methods are also crucial components of sustainable agricultural practices but fall outside the specific scope of nutrient management as outlined in this Act. By focusing on the registration of operations, the Nutrient Management Act aims to strengthen accountability and promote best practices in nutrient application.