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 23 county Extension offices; and
  • Continuing Educational and Technical Support for certified nutrient management consultants and certified farm operators via state and regional nutrient management specialists.

In 1989 the Maryland Department of Agriculture and the University of Maryland/University of Maryland Extension established the MNMP. The primary focus of this program was to place 1.4 million acres of Maryland farmland under nutrient management plans by 2000. Nutrient management plans are documents that incorporate soil test results, yield goals, and estimates of residual nitrogen to generate field-by-field recommendations.

Legislation required the certification of nutrient management consultants and has enabled licensed, private sector nutrient management consultants to play a major role alongside those in the public sector. Certification, examination, and licensing are administered by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) in consultation with a Nutrient Management Advisory Committee.

Contact Chris Dowell, Nutrient Management Coordinator, for more information at (301) 226-7440 or csdowell@umd.edu.