Md. Code Regs. 15.20.08.12

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

Section 15.20.08.12 - Nutrient Management for Container or Out-of-Ground Agricultural Production - Additional Required Plan Content

A. A certified nutrient management consultant or certified farm operator shall prepare, and an operator of container or out-of-ground agricultural production shall conform to the requirements of §§B-H of this regulation, in addition to applicable requirements described in this chapter, when developing and implementing, a nutrient management plan.

B. Plan Elements. A plan shall contain a summary of planned plant production applicable to the site, including:

(1) A listing of plants to be grown by name, species, and variety and cultivar or both; however, if more than 20 different kinds of plants are grown, general plant categories may be used, such as herbaceous, deciduous shrub, coniferous evergreen, broadleaf evergreen, or trees;

(2) The estimated greatest number of plants, units, or containers that will be in production at any one time during a calendar year and the month this will occur;

(3) The estimated percentages of plants, units, or containers in the following container size categories:

(a) Less than 1 gallon (less than 2,492 cubic centimeters container volume),

(b) From 1 to 3 gallons (2,492 to 12,164 cubic centimeters),

(c) Greater than 3 gallons and less than 15 gallons (more than 12,164, but less than 45,376 cubic centimeters), or

(d) 15 gallons or greater (45,376 cubic centimeters or more);

(4) An inventory, which may include projected changes during the life of the plan, taken by the operator for any purpose within 12 months of completion of the plan, which shall meet the requirements of §B(1), (2), and (3) of this regulation, if the inventory is representative of planned production during the period covered by a nutrient management plan;

(5) Total growing area under the plan, which may include projected changes in growing area planned to take place during the life of the plan.

C. Summary of Nutrient Recommendations. A plan shall contain summary information on the total amount of primary nutrients recommended for each calendar year covered by the plan, including:

(1) The estimated total amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash;

(2) A listing of all sources of nutrients;

(3) The estimated amounts of each source of nutrients to be applied for each quarter of the year; and

(4) A listing or description of the application method or methods for each nutrient.

D. Assessment of Environmental Risk. A nutrient management plan shall contain an assessment of the risk of nutrient losses to surface water, using the Environmental Risk Assessment for out-of-ground production provided in the Maryland Nutrient Management Manual, Section II-D.

E. General Management Recommendations. A plan shall contain general recommendations to ensure efficient application of nutrients, including:

(1) The calibration of equipment;

(2) The timing and application methods for water and nutrients;

(3) Management options to maximize the efficient use of water;

(4) Any operator management options to reduce nutrient losses; and

(5) Any other best management practices that may be applicable as provided in the Maryland Nutrient Management Manual, Section II-E.

F. Specific Management Recommendations. A consultant or certified farm operator shall recommend growing area or section-specific management techniques to improve water use efficiency and minimize nutrient losses, including the following:

(1) Grouping plants to improve water and nutrient usage;

(2) Monitoring water and nutrient needs of plants;

(3) Increasing the percentage of water and nutrients entering the plant root zone;

(4) Reducing the amount of leachate or runoff; and

(5) Reducing or containing the flow of water from growing areas.

G. Program for Monitoring Runoff. A nutrient management plan shall include recommendations to monitor runoff, as required in Regulation .07C of this chapter, including recommendations on methods, frequency, and locations of monitoring.

H. Plan Maintenance. A plan shall contain information to maintain and update the plan. General comments about plan maintenance may be summarized, but shall include:

(1) The length of time the plan is effective, not to exceed 3 years; and

(2) Identification of changes in the agricultural operation that would require the original plan to be modified or updated, including a:

(a) Change in area managed of 20 percent or greater, or 5 acres, whichever is less, or

(b) Substantial change in a production plan or method.

Md. Code Regs. 15.20.08.12

Regulation .12 recodified from Regulations .06 effective 42:11 Md. R. 726, eff.6/8/2015