Maryland Agricultural Highlights – March 2018

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.

State Soil Conservation Committee to Meet March 15
The State Soil Conservation Committee has announced that its next meeting will be held Thursday, March 15, at 9:30 a.m. at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401. 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, at 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 lawns should register for the upcoming certification exam on April 18 in Annapolis. 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 mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer. Information on required two-hour recertification training classes is also available on this web site.

Fundamentals of Nutrient Management Training Course Set for May 29-30
A two-day Fundamentals of Nutrient Management Pre-Certification Training Course will be held May 29 and May 30 at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis.  The training provides participants with an overview of material covered by the Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Examination scheduled for August 3. Topics include state nutrient management regulations, nutrient management principles, basic soil science, and soil fertility recommendations. The non-refundable registration fee is $125 and includes learning materials and lunch. Register by mail by May 17. To download the registration form, visit the department’s website. For more information, call 410-841-5959.

Soil Conservation District Annual Report Available
The Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts (MASCD) has released its 2017 annual report titled, Rooted in Healthy Soil and Clean Water. The report highlights how Maryland’s 24 soil conservation districts are helping farmers meet nutrient and sediment reduction goals outlined in Maryland’s Watershed Implementation Plan to protect and restore the Bay by 2025. For a copy of the report, contact Lindsay Thompson at 443-262-8491 or lindsay.mdag@gmail.com.  The report also is available online at www.mascd.net.

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