4VAC50-85-20: Purpose

A. This chapter governs the department's voluntary Nutrient Management Training and Certification Program for individuals who prepare nutrient management plans.

B. A nutrient management plan is prepared to indicate how primary nutrients are to be managed on farm fields and other land for crop production and in ways which protect groundwater and surface water from excessive nutrient enrichment. Plans contain operating procedures based on expected crop yield, existing nutrient levels in the soil, organic residuals, optimum timing and placement of nutrients, environmental resource protection, and agronomic practices such as liming, tillage, and crop rotation. The department shall certify the competence of individuals to prepare these plans and provide criteria relating to the development of nutrient management plans.