Farmers Adhere to Strict Environmental Rules to Protect Soil, Water Quality March 1 marks the start of the “fertilizer” season for farmers, and the Maryland Department of Agriculture wants to help citizens – especially those who live or drive near farms – understand what farming practices they can expect to see in the next few weeks. In addition, there have been a few changes worth noting as well. “Farming is an evolving science and often times we get calls in the spring from citizens who don’t always understand what they are seeing,” said Secretary Buddy Hance. “Today’s farmers are using the latest scientific tools and environmental practices to prevent nutrient runoff into the Chesapeake Bay watershed and they are doing so according to a specially formulated, scientifically based plan designed for the crop needs on their land.” First, any farmer who earns more than $2,500 a year or manages more than 8,000 pounds of live animal weight must, by law, follow a nutrient management plan. 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. Application rates are determined according to soil samples, […]
↧