Maryland Agricultural Highlights – September 2016

State Soil Conservation Committee Meeting Set For October 20
The State Soil Conservation Committee will meet Thursday, October 20, at 9:30 a.m. at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis. The meeting is open to the public and will focus on soil conservation and water quality program implementation and policy development. Established in 1938, the State Soil Conservation Committee coordinates the activities of Maryland’s 24 soil conservation districts, while advising the Secretary of Agriculture on matters relating to soil and water conservation. For more information, contact Louise Lawrence, Executive Secretary, 410-841-5863.

Professional Fertilizer Applicator Certification Exam and Training Offered
Lawn care professionals who want to become certified by the Maryland Department of Agriculture to apply fertilizer to turf may register for one of the upcoming certification classes to be held on September 23, October 24, or November 18 in Annapolis; September 29 or November 1 in Montgomery County; or October 13 in Washington County. Optional training sessions are offered before the exam.  Lawn care professionals hired to apply fertilizers to turfgrass are required by law to be certified by the department’s Nutrient Management Program or work under the direct supervision of an individual who is certified. The requirement is a major component of Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law. To register for the Professional Fertilizer Applicator Certification Exam, visit the department’s website or call 410-841-5959.

Homeowners Advised to Follow Label Instructions when Applying Lawn Fertilizer
The Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds homeowners that fall is the best time to fertilize cool season grasses based on current soil test results.  When applying fertilizer, it is important to read and follow all label instructions.  Doing so will benefit both lawns and the Chesapeake Bay. To further protect the Bay from nutrient runoff, do not apply fertilizer near streams or if heavy rain is predicted.  For more tips and information on soil testing and Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law, visit UMD Extension or the department’s website.

Open House Set for October 8
The University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) will host an Open House Saturday, October 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at its Central Maryland Research and Education Center, 4240 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City, in Howard County. The event is free and open to the public and will feature hay wagon farm tours, farm animals, educational and research displays, interactive exhibits, a Master Gardener plant clinic and more. For information and directions visit the website or call 301-432-2767, extension 350.

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The Maryland Agricultural Awareness Alliance, a coalition of federal, state and local agricultural agencies and commodity groups dedicated to educating Marylanders on agricultural issues.