Nutrient Management

Nutrient Management Plans and Cost-Share Funding

In order to receive funding for cost-share programs with the Soil Conservation District, farms must have a Nutrient Management plan before applying or a waver if the farm is not required to have a nutrient management plan.

MDA announced on July 17 that an agreement has been reached between the MDA and the UMD Extension to retain a Nutrient Management Specialist for three more years. Farmers will be able to have their nutrient management plans completed free of charge at the Extension Office, the same as before. However, producers need to be aware that this is a transition period. After the three years, farmers will need to be certified to make plans for their own farms or hire a certified specialist to complete the plan for them.

Currently, farmers can have a Nutrient Management Plan completed in one of three ways:

  • Get on the list for a Nutrient Management Plan at the Extension Office – 301-334-6960.
  • Hire a Nutrient Management Plan Private Contractor
  • Become certified to write their own Nutrient Management plans. Contact the Extension Office at 301-334-6960 to learn how to become certified.
Nutrient Management private contractors

Nutrient Management Plans

In Maryland, nutrient management plans are required for all agricultural land used to produce plants, food, feed, fiber, animals, or other agricultural products if the farm grosses $2500 or more in income and/or has 8000 lbs of animals.

A nutrient management plan outlining the 4R’s is used to determine how much fertilizer, manure, or other nutrient sources may be safely applied to crops to achieve yields without impacting waterways. 

If you have questions about Nutrient Management, please contact the Extension Office at 301-334-6960.

Farmer Training Certification

Benefits

  • Sound nutrient management reduces fertilizer costs and protects water quality.
  • Applying manure to fields following the 4R’s can improve soil health.

Planning

  • Have realistic yield goals been determined?
  • Have soil and manure been analyzed?
  • Are conservation practices installed?
  • Have nitrogen credits been accounted for?

Tech Notes

  • Use a pre-sidedress nitorgen test when corn plants are between 6 and 12 inches tall.
  • Split applications of nitrogen should be used to minimize nitrogen losses.
  • Test soil at least once every three years.
  • Test manure, if used, every other year.
  • Calibrate spreading equipment.
Tractor loading lime spreader

Maintenance

  • Make sure the farm’s nutrient management plan is current and not expired.
  • Farm fields with a soil phosphorus Fertility Index Value of 150 or greater must be managed using the Phosphorus Management Tool (PMT) as outlined in the farm’s nutrient management plan.
  • Keep all fertilizer application records and receipts.
  • Submit annual fertilizer reports to the Maryland Department of Agriculture by March 1 of each year.
  • Follow nutrient application setback requirements to protect waterways.
  • Follow winter nutrient application restrictions.