Maryland Agricultural Highlights – March 2017

March 1 Marks End of Lawn Fertilizer Blackout Dates
The Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds citizens and lawn care professionals that fertilizer products containing nitrogen and phosphorus may now be applied to lawns as long as the ground is not hard frozen or snow covered and heavy rain is not predicted.  Lawn care professionals hired to fertilize lawns must be licensed and certified by the department. Citizens can verify that their lawn care provider is certified by visiting the department’s website.

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 lawns should register for the upcoming certification exam on March 20 at the Montgomery County Extension office located in Derwood. Optional training sessions are offered from 9 – 11:30 a.m. on the day of the exam. Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer law requires lawn care professionals hired to apply fertilizers to turfgrass to be certified by the department or work under the direct supervision of an individual who is certified. To register for the certification exam, visit the department’s website.

Continuing Education Webinar for Nutrient Management Consultants
The Maryland Department of Agriculture and University of Maryland Extension will host a live webinar on March 27 from 2 – 4 p.m. for consultants and farmers certified by the Nutrient Management Program. Topics include Weathering Water Extremes in the Changing Climate of the Mid-Atlantic Region and Adaptation Strategies for Climate Change. Two continuing education credits will be awarded. To register, visit the department’s website.

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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.