Maryland Reminds Farmers of Winter Ban on Nutrient Spreading to Protect Waterways

Per a recent press release from the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), the annual restriction on applying nutrient sources to agricultural lands is set to begin in mid-December. Starting December 16, 2025, and running until March 1, 2026, state regulations prohibit farmers from spreading materials such as manure, food processing residuals (FPRs), and other fertilizer sources on their fields. This seasonal ban is a critical component of the state’s efforts to prevent nutrient runoff, which poses a significant risk to the health of local rivers, streams, and the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem during the colder months. The regulations ensure that management practices protect water quality during periods when frozen ground or heavy saturation significantly increases the chance of pollution entering surface waters.

The prohibition lifts on the first day of March 2026, allowing farmers to resume nutrient application, provided they adhere strictly to their established nutrient management plan guidelines. Furthermore, fields must meet specific criteria before materials can be applied, meaning the ground cannot be saturated with water, covered in snow, or frozen solid. These seasonal limitations are codified within Maryland’s comprehensive nutrient management regulations, designed to mitigate the environmental hazards associated with applying nutrients when rainfall and frozen conditions increase the likelihood of pollution washing directly into surface waters.

During the restrictive period, liquid manure generated by livestock operations must be contained within designated storage structures. The department has resources and authorization to assist livestock farmers in preventing spills or overflows from these storage facilities, thereby ensuring water quality is maintained. Should a farmer anticipate a potential overflow scenario that necessitates immediate spreading, they are legally required to contact the MDA’s Nutrient Management Program at 410-841-5959 for emergency authorization before any material is applied to the land. Farmers should ensure they are familiar with their regional nutrient management specialist for guidance on storage requirements and questions regarding the regulations.

For solid organic nutrient sources, such as stackable poultry litter, temporary field stockpiling is permissible only if the material maintains a moisture content of 60 percent or less. Even when these stacking requirements are met, the organic nutrient sources are strictly prohibited from being applied to fields for crop fertilization throughout the winter season. Farmers seeking clarification on storage specifications, guidance on handling specific nutrient types, or detailed questions regarding the regulatory framework should contact their regional nutrient management specialist for assistance.

These regulations apply broadly to the agricultural sector in Maryland. State law mandates that any farm generating gross income of $2,500 or more annually, or any livestock producer managing 8,000 pounds or more of live animal weight, must strictly follow specific nutrient management plans when utilizing fertilizers and managing animal waste. These complex plans dictate the precise quantity of fertilizer, manure, or other nutrient sources that can be safely applied to maximize crop yields while minimizing environmental impact. Because of the technical detail required, plans must be developed by a certified private consultant, a certified University of Maryland specialist, or a farmer who has undergone specific training and certification provided by the department to prepare his or her own plan.

Compliance with the nutrient management program involves several mandatory steps for producers. Farmers are required to submit copies of their initial nutrient management plans to the Nutrient Management Program and subsequently update those plans before they expire. Ongoing monitoring is essential, which includes taking new soil samples at least every three years and obtaining nutrient analyses for any manure used biennially. Furthermore, farmers must submit Annual Implementation Reports (AIRs) to the department by March 1, detailing how they implemented their plans during the previous calendar year. Farmers who apply nutrients to ten or more acres annually must also attend a two-hour nutrient applicator course once every three years, though those certified to write their own nutrient management plans are exempt from this requirement. The MDA’s website offers comprehensive information regarding training opportunities and certification classes.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from the Maryland Department of Agriculture

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