NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT
 

Nutrient Management for Farms

            We believe in a voluntary nutrient management program and that all farmers should apply nutrients in an economically and environmentally proper manner based on sound science.

 We support a Maryland Department of Agriculture nutrient management program that (1) produces real water quality improvement, (2) makes efficient use of taxpayer funds, (3) requires reasonable recordkeeping, (4) protects civil liberties and private property rights, (5) provides adequate flexibility for farmers to properly manage their operations, and (6) provides appropriate inspection and enforcement.

            We request a review and simplification of guidelines and requirements of the nutrient management program to achieve the following:

a.       A simple and inexpensive planning process. ’05

b.      Provide for “off the shelf” nutrient management plans for less complex farm operations. ’05

c.       Allow the use of nutrient standards for manure established by the University of Maryland if so desired.’05

d.       Prevent yield capping.

e.       Allow the use of scientifically valid nutrient recommendations from the University of Maryland or other public and private sources.

f.        The elimination of the Nutrient Management Voucher requirements. ’06 

We support the continuation of the farmer-filed annual certification of plan compliance along with an annual summary of nutrient application rather than requiring the filing of the completed plan. ’06 

Non-Farmer Nutrient Use and Education

            We support reduction of nutrients from all non-farm sources entering the Chesapeake Bay and encourage education of residential users of nutrients. '03

Nutrient Management Planning/Delivery

            Assets and personnel should  be redeployed through the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension  to provide:  (1) Adequate nutrient management planning staff in each county to service all farmers who request assistance; (2) Permanent Extension positions with  competitive salaries and benefits for nutrient management planners; (3) training for all farmers who desire to write their own nutrient management plans. ’06          

            We request that funding for nutrient management education and plan development go directly to Maryland Cooperative Extension in order to hire and  maintain adequate permanent nutrient management advisors.’06

Manure and Litter Management

            We strongly urge MDA to review the requirements and procedures for the manure transport program.  The process should be made more user-friendly.  '03

            The preferred use of animal manure and poultry litter should be land application for crop production when applied in accordance with best management practices.  '04

 Soil Testing

We recommend that a public soil testing lab be opened and available to Maryland residents. ’06  

We believe MDA should work with the University of Maryland and the soil testing labs used by area farmers to develop a soil test report and recommendations that can be directly included in a certified plan. '03