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U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Science Center
701 Mapes Road
Ft. Meade, MD 20755-5350
CBP/TRS 143/96
EPA-903-R-96-001
MARCH 1996
CB 00778
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U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Science Center
701 Mapes Road
Ft. Meade, MD 20755-5350
CHESAPEAKE BAY AREA
NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS
An Overview
Prepared by
the Nutrient Management Workgroup
of the
Nutrient Subcommittee
U. S. Environmental Protection AgencyMarch 1996
Environmental Science Center
701 Mapes Road
Ft. Meade, MD 20755-5350
Chesapeake Bay Program
Plan Criteria
Training and Certification
Certification Reciprocity
Tracking Systems
Progress Update
Visions for the Future
Printed by the Environmental Protection Agency for the Chesapeake Bay Program
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This brief overview of the nutrient management programs in the Chesapeake Bay
watershed is prepared by the Nutrient Management Workgroup of the Nutrient Subcommittee.
It reflects the unified efforts of Bay jurisdictions toward a common technical criteria for
development of nutrient management plans for agricultural and urban land. Other charges of
the workgroup include the development of a model training and certification program to
encourage the privatization of providing technical services and nutrient recommendations for
crop production as well as the urban landscape.
The Chesapeake Bay Program Nutrient Subcommittee recognizes the Workgroup's
efforts in exchanging technical information and experiences, coordinating nutrient management
program strategies and activities in the Bay region, and preparing this report. We extend our
gratitude to each of them.
C. Victor Funk, Chair
Chesapeake Bay Program Nutrient Subcommittee
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Nutrient Management Workgroup Membership
F. Fred Samadani, Chair
Maryland Department of Agriculture
EJ. Fanning
Virginia Department of Conservation
and Recreation
Lynn Langer
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection
Nicoline Shulterbrandt
DC Department of Consumer and
Regulatory Affairs
Chris Victoria
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Dr. Frank Coale
University of Maryland
Tom Juengst
Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection
Russ Perkinson
Virginia Department of Conservation
and Recreation
Dr. Tom Simpson
University of Maryland/ MD
Department of Agriculture
Melanie Wertz
Pennsylvania Department of
Agriculture
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CHESAPEAKE RAY AREA NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS
INTRODUCTION
Agriculture has been identified as a major contributor of nutrients to the Chesapeake
Bay in the 1987 Chesapeake Bay Agreement. Under this agreement, the states of Maryland,
Pennsylvania, and Virginia and the District of Columbia committed to reduce nutrient loads to
the Chesapeake Bay by 40 percent by the year 2000. These jurisdictions have made the
implementation of agricultural nonpoint source (NFS) pollution control programs a priority.
Nutrient management has been recognized as an efficient and cost effective practice to reduce
NFS pollution in the 1992 Baywide Nutrient Reduction Reevaluation and the 1995 "Cost
Analysis for Nonpoint Source Control Strategies in the Chesapeake Basin".
Nutrient management is a pollution prevention practice that manages the rate, timing,
and method of application of nutrients and minimizes their potential losses through runoff or
leaching to groundwater. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium «;re three essential plant
nutrients used in significant amounts in intensive agricultural operations. These nutrients are
important for satisfactory crop production but, if not managed properly, can easily move from
farmland to ground and surface waters.
Nutrient management received new emphasis in the mid-1980's as an important
management practice to supplement ongoing soil conservation and water quality plans and
animal waste best management practices. Although the Nutrient Management Program is
administered by different agencies in each state, the programs are well established and
coordinated at the local level, based on individual state needs and available technical support.
Nutrient Management Workgroup members and their technical support staff have been meeting
regularly since July, 1991. In 1992, the Nonpoint Source Subcommittee, which is now the
Nutrient Subcommittee, asked the Nutrient Management Workgroup to cooperatively develop
standards for nutrient management plans and a model certification program to be adapted for
each jurisdiction. These meetings provided a great opportunity for technical exchange, the
sharing of experiences and enhancement of the program in the Bay region. Under the auspices
of the Nutrient Subcommittee, the Workgroup has continued to address other important topics
as summarized in the following pages.
PLAN DEFINITION AND CRITERIA
The definition of a nutrient management plan, plan criteria and the minimum standards
required for a certified plan were developed and agreed upon by participating states. The basic
standards include a written site-specific plan indicating how major plant nutrients (nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium) are to be managed for both expected crop production and water
quality protection.
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Nutrient management plans provide nutrient recommendations based on realistic
expected crop yield, existing nutrient levels in the soil, appropriate timing and placement of
nutrients and other normal farming practices related to efficient nutrient utilization, with
particular emphasis on environmentally sensitive areas.
Elements of a nutrient management plan include:
- Plan identification and information to identify the farm location on a map, watershed code,
acreage of each field, operator's name and address, and planner's identification
- Crop history, soil test results, and credit for residual nitrogen from previous crops
- Site specific nutrient recommendations based on standard plan criteria
- Narratives on updating plans as necessary and detailed instructions on any special
environmental recommendations, and the proper management and utilization of excess
manure, if applicable.
BAYWIDE MODEL TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
The model Bay area nutrient management training and certification program was
developed to serve as a guide to each of the Chesapeake Bay Agreement signatory states in
formulating individual certification programs. The purpose of the program is to certify the
competence of the nutrient management planners/consultants in writing environmentally-
sensitive crop nutrient recommendations. Basic training and continuing education courses
were designed to provide greater details about nutrient management concepts and their
practical applications. Certified individuals are updated on the latest relevant research findings
and technologies and kept abreast of program policies and strategies.
All nutrient management plans required by state or federal regulations or incentive
programs should be prepared or approved by a certified professional. All certified plans must
adhere to nutrient management plan criteria and should be consistent with those specified in
the"Minimum Requirements of a Nutrient Management Plan" document as approved by the
Chesapeake Bay Program Implementation Committee.
Individuals Targeted for Certification
Certification is recommended for all individuals from the private sector or government
agencies who provide recommendations to farmers or others on the use and management of
crop nutrients including commercial fertilizers, animal manure, and other organic sources.
Other professionals who provide technical assistance, including farmers who are interested in
developing state-approved nutrient management plans, are encouraged to participate in the
certification program.
Training and Knowledge Areas for the Certification Examination
State-approved training sessions are organized prior to certification examinations. The
core knowledge area components for training and certification include:
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- General Nutrient Management
- Crop Production Economics
- Natural Resources and Environmental Stewardship
- Basic Soil Science
- Nutrient Testing, Analysis and Assessment
- Basic Soil Fertility
- Management of Commercial Fertilizers
- Management and Utilization of Manure
- Management and Utilization of Sewage Sludge
- Incentives and Regulations (specific to individual state)
Training Manual
A regional training manual for use in the nutrient management certification program is
being developed by the academic staff of universities in the Bay region. The manual was
reviewed by jurisdiction program managers and comments were provided to the manual's
authors and editors. The manual is intended to be a regional nutrient management textbook
covering the above-mentioned competency areas. It may have rational application, as well.
The last chapter of the manual covering state-specific nutrient recommendations, procedures
and regulations will be developed by jurisdictions.
Exam Process and Analysis
The first step in the certification process requires qualified individuals to pass a
certification examination. Over 800 questions compiled in a core question bank cover the
required knowledge areas. Questions were compiled and refined by professionals from
government agencies and universities in the Bay region.
To ensure exam consistency within all the jurisdictions, the Workgroup retained the
contractual services of testing professionals to develop a standard exam process and analysis.
The consultant reviewed, edited, and developed a systematic rating of questions, and trained
the staff administering the exam process in each jurisdiction.
Certification Reciprocity
The Chesapeake Executive Council's Directive No. 94-2 calls for development of a
reciprocal certification program for nutrient management professionals in Maryland,
Pennsylvania and Virginia. The Workgroup has begun reviewing common elements of the
certification programs. The main components of a reciprocity agreement include the adoption
of a core nutrient management certification exam using a regional question bank and a standard
exam process and analysis. State-specific requirements and recommendations will be identified
and addressed. Some of these specific requirements primarily defined in the states' regulations
include: eligibility for certification, continuing education requirements, and licensing. Other
technical deviations may include mineralization rates and some specific crop nutrient
recommendations.
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Reciprocal agreements relating to nutrient management certification are included in the
current agenda of the Workgroup, and may be finalized by early 1996. However, the
agreement will become effective within 12 months of adoption of the certification by the
states.
Data Base Systems for Tracking and Evaluation
In response to Executive Council directives and the Nutrient Subcommittee charge for
development of a comprehensive and accurate BMP tracking and reporting system, the
Workgroup is reviewing and evaluating the current tracking systems and evaluation
methodologies. Existing tracking procedures in each jurisdiction are being evaluated with
respect to current and anticipated needs.
In addition to the state-specific reporting and evaluation needs, tracking systems should
be capable of providing information required for planning and evaluation of the Tributary
Strategies and the Chesapeake Bay Program Watershed Model. In the early stage of the
program, jurisdictions developed distinctive data base systems for agricultural nutrient
management. Urban nutrient management initiatives are in the early stages of planning and
development and present different approaches and issues to be tracked and evaluated. The
Workgroup plans to complete the review and evaluation process of the tracking systems and
provide the Subcommittee with a summary report and recommendations by late 1996.
Progress Update
Progress in the development of agricultural nutrient management plans is tracked and
evaluated by the number of plans and crop acreage covered. Nutrient reductions resulting
from the implementation of plans are estimated by planners as reductions in application rates
per acre. Savings in operating costs are based on reduced application rates and by efficient
utilization of existing on-farm organic nutrient sources. In addition to the states' nutrient
reduction strategy plans, Tributary Strategy Teams have developed nutrient management
planning goals for each tributary.
There has been a sharp increase in nutrient management planned acreage since the 1989
basin-wide progressive approach. With an annual increase of about 200,000 acres per year, as
of 1994, over one million acres of agricultural land were covered under nutrient management
plans by agency staffs in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. Implementation of nutrient
management training and certification programs, and joint efforts of government agencies and
private industry consultants will triple the annual program outreach.
Average nitrogen application reductions reported by jurisdictions ranged from 30 to 40
pounds per acre. Similar figures were reported for lower phosphorus application rates. An
important step in the early stages of the program was the Baywide modification of nitrogen
recommendations for corn crop. Prior to the establishment of the nutrient management
program, the nitrogen recommendations for corn ranged from 120 to 130 pounds per acre for a
100 bushels of expected yield goal. Soil fertility specialists in the Bay region revised their
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nitrogen recommendations to levels approaching 1.0 pound of nitrogen (N) per bushel of corn
grain. Also, nitrogen availability rates for organic nutrient sources were substantially modified
based on a review coordinated by the Workgroup.
Refinement of the nutrient management plan criteria is an ongoing process of the
program. Principle parameters have been addressed. Parameters being considered for further
refinement include: the basis for crop yield estimates, modification of organic nutrients
mineralization rates, promotion of the soil nitrate test (PSNT) prior to application of the
sidedress nitrogen for corn, and the use of soil vulnerability ranking for soluble nutrient
leaching.
CHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAM • ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
cre?: Under
1200
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994
Year
Source: Chesapeake Bay Program Office.
TRACK 1: NUTRIENT ENRICHMENT INDICATOR
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URBAN NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT
Urban nutrient management has become a prominent option in the implementation of
nutrient reduction strategies. The managed application of nutrients (fertilizers) in the urban
landscape for lawns, parks, sod farms, athletic grounds and public building grounds is an
important component in meeting the goals of the Chesapeake Bay Program. It is essential that
homeowners, industries providing services and supplies to homeowners, and managers of
parks, recreational facilities and golf courses all understand their roles and responsibilities in
managing nutrients for environmental protection.
Jurisdictions are formulating urban nutrient management delivery strategies to address
nutrient reductions from non-agricultural fertilizer usage. Since the supply of materials and
delivery of services are provided by the private sector, educational efforts are being targeted
toward the private sector and enhancing public awareness. States, based on their individual
needs, are using a combination of the following activities in their urban nutrient management
programs. These include:
- Conducting a survey and updating background information required for the development of
urban nutrient management strategies;
- Preparing educational materials, fact sheets and brochures for various targeted groups such
as homeowners, technicians and managers providing urban landscape services;
- Organizing training programs for the agencies and private sector technicians on proper
management and utilization of fertilizers;
- Participating in existing events and workshops for public information and awareness;
- Working with ground managers of state and federal government buildings, recreational lands
and parks in the proper and efficient use of fertilizers; and
- Generating water quality cooperation agreements with urban fertilizer retailers and lawn
care firms.
In contrast with agriculture, urban nutrient management initiatives and strategies will
impact a diverse group of audiences. Urban nutrient management provides technical assistance
and guidance to fertilizer retailers (point of sale), homeowners, ground maintenance and lawn
care services, sod producers, golf course and athletic ground managers, commercial production
nurseries, and public parks and grounds staff. The success of the program relies on a unified
approach, continued technical exchange between jurisdictions, and the leadership and support
of the Nutrient Subcommittee.
RESEARCH NEEDS
As an ongoing process, the Workgroup will identify, prioritize and support research
topics related to refinement of the plan criteria and enhancement of the program. Specific
research projects recommended by the Workgroup and granted by the Nutrient Subcommittee
include:
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• Mineralization and Availability of Nitrogen in Organic Waste-Amended
Mid-Atlantic Soils. Gregory K. Evanylo, Virginia Polytechnic Institute
• The Relationship between Soil Test Phosphorus Level and the Concentration of
Dissolved and Potentially Transportable Phosphorus in Field Drainage Water.
Frank J. Coale, University of Maryland
The mineralization work resulted in significant changes in manure availability factors
used by states in nutrient management planning. We anticipate that the phosphorous research
work will also provide additional criteria for evaluating alternative nutrient management
practices. The Workgroup will continue to identify the research needs and integrate research
findings into the nutrient management planning process.
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
During the short life of the program, basic problems associated with handling and
utilization of nutrients were identified, and solutions and options studied. State-specific
strategies were developed and program outreach expanded. A diverse group of individuals
representing various government agencies, academic institutions and the private sector were
included in the planning and implementation process of the program. The Nutrient
Management Program was initiated and promoted by providing additional staff and technical
support to government agencies at the state and local level. Program outreach is being
expanded through training, certification, and privatization of nutrient management planning
services.
Today, the infrastructure of the nutrient management program in the Bay region is
established and the challenges have been examined. Refinement of plan criteria, research and
study programs, tracking and evaluation are and will remain an integral part of the ongoing
implementation process. Innovative approaches supported by the states' specific laws,
regulations, and incentives ensure accomplishment of common goals.
States have made tremendous strides in improving and expanding their nutrient
management programs. But more needs to be done to meet agricultural nonpoint source
nutrient reduction goals. The continued application of fertilizers and manure in areas of
intensive crop and livestock production have increased the nitrate concentrations in ground-
water and led to subsequent build-up of soil phosphorus levels beyond crop nutrient uptake.
The continual discharge of nitrate accumulated in deep levels of aquifers during past decades
and losses of dissolved and paniculate phosphorus are of increasing concern to agencies and
the soil fertility experts in the Bay region. Expected results from current research on potential
losses of bioavailable phosphorus may result in the modification of nutrient management
guidelines and nutrient recommendations by agencies and nutrient management specialists.
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