Services We Provide
The Agricultural Nutrient Management Program, which is funded by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), provides the following services:
- Nutrient management plan development for Maryland farmers through a network of nutrient management advisors located in all 23 county Extension offices; and
- Continuing education and technical support for certified nutrient management consultants and certified farm operators via nutrient management specialists located on the UMCP campus.
Our Extension nutrient management advisors can also provide:
- Soil analysis for the Pre-Sidedress Nitrate Test (PSNT) and Fall Soil Nitrate Test (FSNT)
- Instruction and assistance with manure spreader calibrations and yield goal checks
Fiscal Year Priorities
The following priorities in descending ranking order shall guide program delivery:
- Farmers with pollution problems as identified by the MDA;
- Farmers with animal operations who are existing clientele and whose nutrient management plans require updating;
- Small, urban, and underserved farming operations; and
- First come, first serve for any other farmer who must comply with the Water Quality Improvement Act.
Plans must be written for farmers in a timely manner and will be assigned to nutrient management planners in other counties as needed.
Farmers who use only commercial fertilizer shall be strongly encouraged to use the fertilizer dealer’s own certified nutrient management consultant.
Certified farmer operators shall be strongly encouraged to write their own nutrient management plans.
Planning assistance to certified farmer operators and certified nutrient management consultants will be provided by UMD nutrient management specialists.
All no-land nutrient management plans for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) will be written MDA regional staff.