Nutrient Management

The University of Maryland’s Agricultural Nutrient Management Program, which is funded by the MD Department of Agriculture, provides nutrient management plan development for Maryland farmers through nutrient management advisors located in all 23 county Extension offices.  

In 1998, the Water Quality Improvement Act (WQIA) was enacted and many changes were brought about which affected Maryland’s agricultural community. Most notable among the changes is the requirement for farmers to obtain and implement a nutrient management plan if they meet either of the following criteria for their agricultural operation:

1. Eight or more animal units (8,000 pounds of live animal weight) or
2. $2,500 gross annual income from the agricultural operation