Nutrients

The Watershed Stewards Academy (WSA) uses a train-the-trainer approach to instruct and manage a diverse group of Steward volunteer. The goal of the program is to develop Stewards conversant in watershed issues, who provide localized community outreach and assist with the implementation of best management practices focused on stormwater and improving local water quality.The Watershed Stewards Academy Curriculum is a 13-module curriculum, comprised of numerous lessons and activities, that provides participants the basic tools and information for those interested in stormwater management. Each module is approximately 2-3 hours long. This may vary based on local program goals and objectives. Authors: Kelsey Brooks, Eric Buehl, Jennifer Dindinger, Amanda Rockler, and Jackie Takacs; Key Contributors:Suzanne Etgen, Kate McClure, and Taryn Sudol; Title: Watershed Stewards Academy Curriculum (EC-2020-0518)

The Water Quality Improvement Act (WQIA), also known as the Maryland Nutrient Management Law, was passed in 1998 by the Maryland State Legislature. The goal of nutrient management planning is to reduce non-point source pollution (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorus from cropland) by balancing nutrient applications with crop nutrient requirements. Nutrient management planning, which is an array of best management practices (BMPs), is considered to be one of the most cost-effective means of controlling excessive nutrient applications.

University of Maryland Extension’s (UME) Agricultural Nutrient Management Program, which is funded by Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) focuses on reducing nonpoint source nutrient pollution to the Chesapeake Bay from plant nutrients applied to cropland. The Program provides (1) nutrient management planning services to Maryland farmers through a network of Nutrient Management Advisors located in all county Extension offices and (2) continuing education and technical support to certified Nutrient Management Advisors and certified farm operators via state and regional nutrient management specialists.