Md. Code Regs. 15.20.08.07

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 21, October 18, 2024

Section 15.20.08.07 - Nutrient Management-Phosphorus Transition Management Phase I

A. Except as provided in §E of this regulation, if the soil sample analysis results show a phosphorus fertility index value of 150 or greater, the Phosphorus Management Tool, as provided in the Maryland Nutrient Management Manual, Section II-C2, shall be used to determine the potential risk of phosphorus loss due to site characteristics.

B. Low Risk of Potential Phosphorus Loss.

(1) If the risk for potential loss of phosphorus from the site is low according to the Phosphorus Management Tool, nutrient recommendations by the consultant or certified farm operator may use nitrogen plant needs as the limiting factor.

(2) Nutrient applications shall not exceed the amount of phosphorus removed by the planned crop over a 3-year period.

C. Medium Risk of Potential Phosphorus Loss.

(1) Except as provided in §C(2) of this regulation, if the risk for potential loss of phosphorus from the site is medium according to the Phosphorus Management Tool, total phosphorus applications related to crops anticipated to be planted in a 3-year period shall not exceed the amount of phosphorus removed by the planned crops over the 3-year period, or the amount indicated by soil testing, in accordance with the recommendations described in the Maryland Nutrient Management Manual, Section I-B, whichever is greater.

(2) If BMPs are implemented by the operator before or during the application of additional phosphorus that address site or management characteristics which, according to the outcome of a recalculation using the Phosphorus Management Tool, reduce the risk of phosphorus loss to low, nutrient rates may be established as provided by §B of this regulation.

D. High Risk of Potential Phosphorus Loss.

(1) Except as provided in §D(2) of this regulation, if the risk for potential loss of phosphorus from the site is high according to the Phosphorus Management Tool, phosphorus rates shall be limited to the expected amount removed from the field by the planned crop or plant rotation immediately following the phosphorus application, not to exceed two crops, or the amount indicated by soil testing, in accordance with the recommendations described in the Maryland Nutrient Management Manual, Section I-B, whichever is greater.

(2) If BMPs are implemented by the operator before or during the application of additional phosphorus that address site or management characteristics which, according to the outcome of a recalculation using the Phosphorus Management Tool, reduce the risk of phosphorus loss to medium, nutrient rates may be established as provided by §C of this regulation.

(3) The operator shall consider the implementation of management practices and technologies that are effective in lowering the risk of phosphorus loss based on research and demonstration of the University of Maryland, or other land grant university, or by the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Planning Procedures Handbook and practice standards adopted for Maryland.

E. If the soil sample analysis results indicate a phosphorus fertility index value of 500 or greater, no phosphorus may be applied.

Md. Code Regs. 15.20.08.07

Regulation .07 adopted effective 42:11 Md. R. 726, eff.6/8/2015