Agriculture Officials Remind Farmers that No Nutrient Applications are Allowed until March 1

ANNAPOLIS, MD (Jan. 15, 2010) – Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance reminds farmers that they are not to apply nutrients to their fields until March 1, according the nutrient management regulations (COMAR 15.20.08.05).  The University of Maryland guidelines referenced in the Nutrient Management Manual and Nutrient Management regulations require winter storage of stackable manure, prohibit spreading of commercial fertilizer and stackable manure in the winter months, and outline specific situations in which non-stackable manure can be applied in the winter months.  An individual’s nutrient management plan would reflect these conditions and a farmer must follow the plan, regardless of participation in any cost-share program.  Any farmer at risk of exceeding manure storage capacity due to the recent wet weather, must contact the Maryland Department of Agriculture before applying the nutrient.  “Maryland farmers are committed to protecting natural resources,” said Sec. Hance.  “The nutrient management plan is both an important crop management and environmental protection tool that farmers must follow regardless of participation in cost share programs. According to the regulations, no nutrients may be applied to soil until March 1.” Any farmer or nutrient applicator with questions about winter application of manure should call an MDA nutrient management specialist. The headquarters phone number is 410-841-5959 and full listing is provided on line, www.mda.state.md.us/resource_conservation/nutrient_management/nm_regional_offices.pdf Nutrient Management Manual and Nutrient Application Guidelines (timing) are on line, www.mda.state.md.us/resource_conservation/nutrient_management/manual/introduction.php. ###

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