Md. Code Regs. 15.20.08.09

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 15.20.08.09 - Nutrient Management-Phosphorus Management Tool

A. 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. If the risk for potential loss of phosphorus from the site is low 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.

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, phosphorus rates shall be limited to the expected amount removed from the field by the 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 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)-(6) of this regulation, if the risk for potential loss of phosphorus from the site is high according to the Phosphorus Management Tool, no additional phosphorus may be applied.

(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) If the crop to be produced is certified as organic pursuant to the requirements of the federal Organic Foods Production Act, 7 U.S.C. § 6501 et seq., including implementing federal regulations, as amended, recommended rates of application of phosphorus 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 recommendations described in the Maryland Nutrient Management Manual, Section I-B, whichever is greater.

(4) Except when subject to cold and wet growing conditions, crops determined to be deficient in phosphorus, as demonstrated by a representative tissue analysis by an accredited laboratory, may receive an application of phosphorus not to exceed 25 percent of the expected amount removed from the field by the crop or plant harvest immediately following the phosphorus application.

(5) Vegetable and tobacco crops with a recommended phosphorus application rate of 40 pounds or more at optimum or excessive fertility levels as provided in the Maryland Nutrient Management Manual, Section I-B, may receive a phosphorus application at planting not to exceed 25 percent of the expected amount removed from the field by the crop or plant harvest immediately following the phosphorus application.

(6) Agricultural operations implementing technologies to reduce the phosphorus content of animal manures by at least 75 percent shall limit phosphorus application rates to 50 percent of the expected amount removed from the field by the planned crop or plant rotation immediately following the phosphorus application, not to exceed two crops.

(7) 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.

Md. Code Regs. 15.20.08.09

Regulation .09 adopted effective 42:11 Md. R. 726, eff.6/8/2015