This project aimed to develop processes that enable vegetable farmers to address environmental concerns, with respect to sensitive waterways, at a farm and community level. This has been achieved by identifying nutrient [nitrogen (N)] losses, validating nutrient application practices and developing tools to better manage nutrient application in vegetables and processes to engage with communities on issues associated with waterways. The activities were focussed in several vegetable growing regions that impact on sensitive waterways including Watsons Creek (Victoria), Lockyer Valley (Queensland) and Bowen (Queensland). The project developed a process for engaging with the community on issues associated with waterway management. This included the identification of key collaborators, conducting surveys to identify community perceptions of the main contributors to waterway pollution and a method to resolve these issues. This was further underpinned by survey data, replicated research trials and vegetable grower case studies over three seasons. Nutrient budget surveys conducted in the Lockyer Valley highlighted growers there apply fertiliser at rates at or below crop total nutrient uptake meaning losses of N to the environment are low. For example in lettuce, N application was the same as removal in harvested products but for some brassica crops, application was below crop removal. Further case studies were conducted in the key regions and this shows some variability in the extent to which nutrients are lost from the farming systems. A series of research trials were conducted that validated crop nutrient requirements for the key crops broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and celery were greater than the standard grower application rates in the Lockyer Valley. However, for lettuce (Cos and Iceberg) the critical rate for lettuce growth was equivalent to the standard grower practice. Nutrient budgets at Watsons Creek highlighted that use of chicken manure can lead to over-appl