Maryland Agricultural Highlights – March 2019

Lawn Fertilizer Blackout Dates End March 1

The Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds citizens and lawn care professionals that after March 1 fertilizer products containing nitrogen and phosphorus may 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 checking the Maryland Nutrient Management Program’s For Hire Professional Fertilizer Applicators List here. For more information, visit 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 May 9. The exam will take place at the department’s headquarters, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis. Optional training sessions will be offered from 9 a.m. to 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. Download a registration form for the certification exam. Information on the required two-hour re-certification training classes for certified professional fertilizer applicators is available on the department’s website.

Fundamentals of Nutrient Management Training Course Set for June 17-18

The Fundamentals of Nutrient Management Pre-Certification Training Course will be held June 17-18 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 2. Topics include state nutrient management regulations, nutrient management principles, basic soil science, and soil fertility recommendations. The non-refundable $125 registration fee covers learning materials and lunch. Register by mail by June 12. Download the registration form here. For additional training opportunities, visit the department’s website or call 410-841-5959.

Register to Update Your Nutrient Management Plan

Farmers who need assistance updating their nutrient management plans should register for the April 8 workshop sponsored by the University of Maryland Extension office in Frederick. There is no fee to attend this session. Register by contacting Paul Shipley at 301-405-2563 or prs@umd.edu. Please note that nutrient management continuing education credits are not available for this session. For more information, visit the University of Maryland Extension’s workshop webpage here.

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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.