WEYERS CAVE, Va. (WFXR) – The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Nutrient Management Program is offering a two-part agriculture nutrient management training school in November.
According to the DCR, 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 will take place from November 6-7 and will be a lecture series by Virginia Tech professors on soil science, soil fertility, and crop production. The second session, taking place from November 12-13, will cover nutrient management plan writing.
Officials say both courses are in-person at Blue Ridge Community College in Weyers Cave, and each day will run from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Registration closes on November 3 and is $130 per session.
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DCR says a Virginia-certified nutrient management planner prepares an urban nutrient management plan to manage the amount, placement, timing, and application of fertilizer and biosolids. They can also cover other materials containing plant nutrients to reduce nutrient loss to the environment and to produce quality turf and landscape plants.
According to officials, these plans are one solution to the nutrient pollution problem that causes algae overgrowth and “dead zones” in many waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay. It can also help homeowners build a lush, healthy lawn.
The DCR defines an urban nutrient management plan as a site-specific plan that provides agronomic and environmentally sound recommendations for applying nutrients to turfgrass. They add that 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.
If you are interested in becoming certified, you can register online.
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