Maryland farmers are not to apply nutrients to their fields until March 1. That reminder comes from Maryland Ag Secretary Buddy Hance.
State nutrient management regulations require winter storage of stackable manure, prohibit spreading of commercial fertilizer and stackable manure in the winter months, and outline specific situations in which non-stackable manure can be applied in the winter months.
Any farmer at risk of exceeding manure storage capacity due to the recent wet weather must contact the state Ag Department before applying the nutrient. Hance affirms that sticking to nutrient management plans is important for crop management and environmental protection. "It's a tool that farmers must follow regardless of participation in cost share programs."
Any farmer or nutrient applicator with questions about winter application of manure should call an MDA nutrient management specialist. The headquarters phone number is 410-841-5959. A full listing of specialists is provided on line at www.mda.state.md.us/resource_conservation/nutrient_management/nm_regional_offices.pdf .