An official website of the State of Maryland.

Maryland.gov Translate

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Maryland Department of Agriculture

Nutrient Management Program

Introduction 

The Maryland Nutrient Management Program (NMP) ensures that farms use nutrients efficiently while protecting water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and local waterways. The program is regulated by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) under state law, which requires certain farms and businesses to develop and follow nutrient management plans. 

Why it matters 

  • Reduces nutrient runoff into streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay
  • Helps farmers optimize fertilizer use for better crop yields 
  • Ensures compliance with Maryland law to protect natural resources 

Understanding the law, MDA, and nutrient management plans 

The law

Maryland law requires certain farmers and land managers to control nutrient applications through science-based management. 

  • Any agricultural operation with a gross annual income of $2500 or more from tilling, cropping, pasturing or producing agricultural products (including plants, trees, sod, fiber, etc) or eight or more animal units (>  8000 lbs. animal weight). 
  • The law aims to reduce nutrient pollution to improve water quality. 

Implementation and compliance- Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA)  

MDA oversees and enforces nutrient management regulations through: 

  • Approving and certifying nutrient management consultants and farm operators  
  • Reviewing and inspecting farm records for compliance
  • Administering financial assistance programs  
  • Providing education and training to farmers in partnership with University of Maryland Extension 

Nutrient Management Plans (NMPs)

A Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) is a customized plan that helps farmers apply nutrients responsibly. 

Plans must: 

  • Be written by a Certified Nutrient Management Consultant or a Certified Farm Operator 
  • Be updated every three years or when major changes occur
  • Follow the Phosphorus Management Tool (PMT) for high-risk fields Farmers must submit an Annual Implementation Report (AIR) by March 1 each year to document nutrient applications. 

Training & certification

Farmers: Attend Farmer Training Certification (FTC) to understand plan requirements and become certified to write their own plans. Ther certification process involves a training course, open-book exam, and writing your own NMP. 

  • In-ground farmers: In-person and online training available 
  • Nursery/Greenhouse/Controlled Environment Growers:  In-person only 

Consultants: Must be certified by the MDA to write plans for operations defined in “Understanding the Law, MDA, and Nutrient Management Plans.” The certification process involves an annual two-day training course and two testing dates each year. The test is not open book.  

Compliance and enforcement

  • Farmers must maintain and follow their NMP.
  • MDA inspectors may review farm records for compliance. 
  • Failure to comply may result in fines or other penalties.  

For more information, visit: Maryland Department of Agriculture -  Nutrient Management Program