Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation offers nutrient management training school this November
Weyers Cave, Virginia – The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is inviting residents to participate in a two-part agriculture nutrient management training school this November. Designed for individuals looking to learn more about urban nutrient management plans or become certified plan writers, the training will be held in person at Blue Ridge Community College in Weyers Cave.
The first session, scheduled for November 6–7, features lectures by Virginia Tech professors on key topics including soil science, soil fertility, and crop production. The second session, running from November 12–13, will focus on nutrient management plan writing, giving participants the tools to draft effective, environmentally conscious plans.
Each course runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and costs $130 per session. Those interested must register by November 3 via the DCR website at www.dcr.virginia.gov/soil-and-water/nmtrain.
An urban nutrient management plan is a strategy prepared by a certified professional that helps reduce nutrient loss to the environment while maintaining healthy turf and landscapes. The plan manages the amount, placement, and timing of nutrients such as fertilizers or biosolids, ensuring they are applied in a way that both supports plant health and protects water quality.
“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.”
These plans are one of the tools used to combat nutrient pollution, which contributes to algae blooms and dead zones in waterways like the Chesapeake Bay. By improving nutrient application practices, property owners can not only enhance the health of their lawns and landscapes but also help protect Virginia’s ecosystems.
Nutrient management plans can be tailored to various sites including residential lawns, athletic fields, golf courses, business parks, and common areas in communities.
For more information about the training or to inquire about certification, contact Justin Lindemeyer at 540-270-0039 or [email protected].
