Nutrient Management

Who Needs a Nutrient Management Plan?

Maryland farmers who:

have 8 or more animal units (1 animal unit = 1,000 lbs.)
gross $2,500 from the operation off the land

Directory of Nutrient Management Plan Writers

What services are provided by UME?

Fall Soil Nitrate Testing
Manure Calibration
Nutrient Management Plan Writing
Presidedress Nitrate Testing
Soil and Manure Sample Containers
Soil Probes and Testing Instructions
Yield Checks

Sam Covington -Nutrient Management Advisor

The Kent and Cecil Nutrient Management Advisor is Sam Covington; please reach out to him at 443-480-8530.

Kent County Nutrient Management Resources

Soil Testing

Soil tests for nutrient management plans are valid for three years from the date of testing. Soil sampling materials including kits, bags and soil probes are available at the extension office. Remember that it is very important to get a good representative sample in order to get good results. Instructions for collecting soil samples can be found here.

Manure Testing

Yearly analysis of organic nutrient sources such as manure or compost is required. This is due to rapidly changing feeding practices of poultry and livestock and changes in nutrient composition due to the environment. Click here to learn how to take a manure sample for testing, and for information on labs that test manure.

MDA Maryland Nutrient Management Regulations