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What is Nutrient Management?
Nutrient Management involves managing the amount, form, placement
and timing of applications of plant nutrients including organic
waste and commercial fertilizer. Nutrient management planning supplies
the necessary plant nutrients for optimum forage and crop yields,
white minimizing entry of nutrients to surface and groundwater.
Why Become Certified?
Certified nutrient management planners are in demand in West Virginia.
Working for both agencies and industries, planners provide a professional
service that benefits agriculture producers.
Who Should Be Certified?
West Virginia has a voluntary certification program available to
individuals providing guidance to farmers or others to manage manures
or organic by-products.
How Do I Become Certified?
Persons wishing to become certified nutrient management planners
must first pass an exam and meet the minimum education and work
experience requirements.
These requirements include:
A four-year degree in agriculture or natural resources and one year
of nutrient management experience. Or a combination of five years
of post-secondary education and/or nutrient management experience.
In either case, these must be deemed acceptable by the West Virginia
Department of Agriculture.
When is the Exam?
The exam is generally given twice a year, on the first Friday of
February and August. Contact the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
How Do I Keep My Certification?
Nutrient management certificates are valid for two years. To remain
certified, twelve hours of West Virginia Department of Agriculture
approved continuing education is required every two years.
Training is Available
Nutrient management training is available prior to each exam.
The following topics are covered at the training:
- Hydrologic Cycle
- Basic Plant & Soil Relationships
- Manures
- Basic Soil Science
- Soil Mapping
- Micronutrients
- Soil Testing
- Soil Acidity & Liming
- Fertilizers & Liming Sources
- Fertilizer Use
- Environmental Regulations
- Manure Testing
- Development of Nutrient Management Plans
- Nutrient Management Calibrations
- Basic Calculations for Nutrient Management
- Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
Cooperating Partners
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
- WV Soil and Water Conservation Society
- WV Department of Agriculture
- WV Soil Conservation Agency
- WVU Extension Service
- WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences
- WV Farm Bureau
- Southern States
- West Virginia farmers
- Mid-Atlantic Certified Crop Advisors
- WV Department of Environmental Protection
- Cacapon Institute
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