Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation announces two-part nutrient management training
Midlothian, Virginia – The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will host a two-part agricultural nutrient management training school this January. The program is designed for individuals interested in learning how to develop agricultural nutrient management plans or becoming certified plan writers.
Training Sessions Overview
The training begins with the first session on January 9-10, which is a virtual lecture series led by Virginia Tech professors. This session will cover essential topics such as soil science, soil fertility, and crop production and will be hosted via Microsoft Teams.
The second session, scheduled for January 14-16, is an in-person, hands-on training at Brightpoint Community College in Midlothian, Virginia. During this session, participants will learn how to write nutrient management plans using a case-study farm as a real-world example. Both sessions will run daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Registration Details
The registration fee for each session is $150, and participants must register by December 30. Registration can be completed online at www.dcr.virginia.gov/soil-and-water/nmtrain.
Importance of Nutrient Management
Nutrient management is a critical factor in modern agriculture, helping farmers optimize yields while protecting the environment. A well-designed nutrient management plan determines the appropriate rates for applying manure, fertilizers, biosolids, and other soil amendments. This process minimizes nutrient loss to groundwater and surface waters, ensuring sustainable farming practices.
Plans are tailored to specific fields and crops, with application rates based on actual yield records or, when unavailable, soil productivity. This ensures that nutrients are applied efficiently, balancing agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship.
For more details, interested individuals can contact Stephanie Dawley at 804-382-3911 or via email at [email protected].
This training provides an invaluable opportunity for farmers, agricultural professionals, and others to enhance their knowledge and contribute to sustainable farming practices in Virginia.
