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MD extends fall 2016 nutrient app deadline to Nov. 15

October 24, 2016, Annapolis, MD – Due to a late harvest and lack of adequate storage for liquid manure, combined with favorable soil conditions, the Maryland Department of Agriculture has extended two key deadlines for nutrient applications this fall.

On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the deadline for all nutrient applications – including commercial fertilizer and poultry litter – has been extended from Nov. 1 to Nov. 15 to allow farmers more time to fertilize crops that will be planted later this fall. The Nov. 15 deadline is consistent with the nutrient cut-off date that farmers are required follow in all other areas of the state. After this date, farmers will be prohibited from spreading commercial fertilizer and stackable manure on fields until March 1.

To allow farmers extra time to empty their waste storage structures in preparation for winter, the MDA also has extended the deadline for the fall application of liquid manure on dairy farms and other livestock operations from Nov. 15 to Dec. 3. After this date, farmers will not be able to spread manure on their fields until March 1. The extension does not apply to dry, stackable manure or poultry litter.

Farmers or nutrient applicators with questions should call their nutrient management consultant or regional nutrient management specialist. The headquarters telephone number is 410-841-5959.