Virginia to offer agricultural nutrient management training in June

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will offer a two-part agricultural nutrient management training course in June. The training is for anyone interested in learning more about developing agricultural nutrient management plans or how to become a certified plan writer.

The first session, June 11-12, is a series of lectures led by Virginia Tech faculty on soil science, soil fertility and agricultural production. This is a virtual course hosted via Microsoft Teams and will run from 9am to 4:30pm each day. Registration costs $150 with a deadline of June 3.

The second session, June 25-27, will focus on writing a nutrient management plan using a case study farm. Training will take place in the Blue Ridge Community College Biosciences building in Weyers Cave. Each day will take place from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration costs $150 with a deadline of June 17.

Nutrient management continues to be an important factor in a farmer’s decision-making process when considering the application of materials to provide nutrients to crops and forages. Nutrient management plans determine application rates of manure, fertilizer, biosolids and other soil amendments to maximize yields and minimize nutrient loss to ground and surface water. Application rates are determined by a process using actual yield records or soil productivity when yield records are not available.

To register and for more information about Nutrient Management Certification, please visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/nmtrain.

Contact Stephanie Dawley at 804-382-3911 or [email protected] for more details.