Virginia to offer urban nutrient management training in November

WEYERS CAVE, Va. — The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Nutrient Management Program will offer a two-part agriculture nutrient management training school in November. The school is for anyone interested in learning about the development of urban nutrient management plans or how to become a certified plan writer.

The first session, Nov. 6-7, is a lecture series by Virginia Tech professors on soil science, soil fertility and crop production. The second session, Nov. 12-13, will cover nutrient management plan writing.

Both courses are in-person at Blue Ridge Community College in Weyers Cave, VA. Each day would run from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Registration is $130 for each session with a sign-up deadline of Nov. 3. Registration is available online at www.dcr.virginia.gov/soil-and-water/nmtrain.

An urban nutrient management plan is a plan prepared by a Virginia certified nutrient management planner to manage the amount, placement, timing and application of fertilizer, biosolids or other materials containing plant nutrients in order to reduce nutrient loss to the environment and to produce quality turf and landscape plants.

It’s one solution to the nutrient pollution problem that causes algae overgrowth and “dead zones” in many waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay. It also can help homeowners build a lush, healthy lawn. An urban nutrient management plan is a site-specific plan that provides agronomic and environmentally sound recommendations for applying nutrients to turfgrass. Nutrient management plans generally are developed for the following landscape types: golf courses, athletic fields, community and business parks, common areas in developed communities, and residential lawns.

Contact Justin Lindemeyer at 540-270-0039 or Justin.Lindemeyer@dcr.virginia.gov for additional details.

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