Thursday, March 13, 2014

It's the Law: Nutrient Management Plans

Maryland’s Nutrient Management Regulations
Annual Plan Due March 1

“Maryland law requires all farmers grossing $2,500 a year or more or livestock producers with 8,000 pounds or more of live animal weight to follow nutrient management plans when fertilizing crops and managing animal manure. These plans—developed by consultants and farmers certified by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA)—specify how much fertilizer, manure or other nutrient sources may be safely applied to crops to achieve yields and prevent excess nutrients from impacting waterways. Nutrient management plans generally are required for all agricultural land used to produce plants, food, feed, fiber, animals or other agricultural products. Farmers are required to submit copies of their initial nutrient 
management plans to MDA, update plans before they expire, take new Follow the step-by-step instructions outlined in this brochure  to step into compliance with Maryland’s nutrient management regulations.soil samples a minimum of once every three years and submit Annual Implementation Reports (AIRs) documenting how they implemented their plans during the previous year. AIRs must be filed with MDA by March 1. Compli ance with the Nutrient Management Program is a requirement for participation in the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) Program. “ http://mda.maryland.gov/resource_conservation/counties/StepintoComplianc.pdf

Horse-friendly fact sheet:










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