Nutrient Management Program

About Maryland's Nutrient Management Program Main_Content ​​​​​ The Nutrient Management Program protects water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries by ensuring that farmers and urban land managers apply fertilizers, animal manure and other nutrient sources in an effective and environmentally sound manner.​ Agricultural Nutrie​nt Management  ​​ Farmers are required to follow nutrient management plans when fertilizing crops and managing animal waste. These plans specify how much fertilizer, manure or other nutrient sources may be safely applied to crops to achieve yields and prevent excess nutrients from impacting waterways. Nutrient management plans generally are required for all agricultural land used to produce or other agricultural products. Visit the Agricultural Nutrient Management page. ​ ​ Turfgrass Nutrient Management Maryland's Lawn Fertilizer Law requires lawn care professionals to be licensed and certified by the Department of Agriculture to apply turf fertilizer to properties that they manage or work under the direct supervision of someone who is certified. The Nutrient Management Program and the University of Maryland, provide training and testing for lawn care professionals. In addition, both lawn care professionals and homeowners are required to obey fertilizer application restrictions, observe fertilizer blackout dates, use best management practices and follow University of Maryland recommendations when fertilizing lawns. Visit the Turfgrass Nutrient Management page. ​​ Center_Content