Md. Code Regs. 15.22.02.03
Current through Register Vol. 52, No. 1, January 10, 2025
Section 15.22.02.03 - Soil ManagementA. Soil Fertility. A producer shall promote soil fertility.B. Crop Rotation. (1) A producer shall rotate all crops, except crops that are:(b) Included in a permaculture system;(c) Grown in containers; or(d) Grown on a nonrotating basis as approved by the Department as part of the farm plan.(2) A producer shall maintain a soil cover during the nonproducing season. The producer may use crop residue, mulch, or green manure crops.(3) Rotation Plan. A producer shall build and maintain balanced nutrient levels in the soil using such methods as:(a) Alternation of crops;(c) Cover crops and nurse crops;(d) Crops with deep roots to stabilize the soil and bring nutrients from the subsoil;(e) Alternation of plants that use large quantities or small quantities of nutrients;(f) Plants with allelochemic or mineral-accumulating properties; and(g) Plantings which fix or bind nitrogen.C. Manuring.(1) A producer may not apply raw manure in a way that significantly contributes to water contamination by nitrates or bacteria, such as applying it to frozen ground.(2) A producer may apply raw manure to: (c) Crops not for human consumption; or(d) Crops for human consumption, if the crop is harvested 120 days or more following the most recent manure application.(3) A producer may use manure composted either by aerobic digestion or controlled fermentation, or both.(4) A producer may use liquid manure slurry if the slurry is aerated by adding carbon to the slurry. Its application is limited in the same manner as the application of raw manure as provided in this regulation.Md. Code Regs. 15.22.02.03
Regulations .03 adopted as an emergency provision effective May 21, 1991 (18:12 Md. R. 1318); emergency status expired December 1, 1991; adopted permanently effective April 13, 1992 (19:7 Md. R. 746)