# Agriculture (GAG)

## Title 8. Soil Conservation

### Subtitle 8. Nutrient Management

#### Section 8-803

(a) To apply for certification as a nutrient management consultant, an applicant shall:

  (1) Submit to the Department an application on the form the Department requires; and

  (2) Pay to the Department the certification fee stated in Sec. 8-806 of this subtitle.

(b) The Department shall certify any individual who:

  (1) Meets the requirements of this subtitle;

  (2) Meets the Department's educational requirements, including a program on the proper application of nutrients;

  (3) Passes a Department approved examination; and

  (4)

    (i) Is employed by a person licensed under this subtitle; or

    (ii) Holds a license as required by this subtitle.

(c) To apply for a license an applicant shall:

  (1) Submit to the Department an application on the form the Department requires; and

  (2) Pay to the Department the applicable license fee stated in Sec. 8-806 of this subtitle.

(d) The Department shall license a person who meets the requirements of this subtitle.

(e) A certificate or license is issued for 1 year unless the certificate or license is renewed as provided by this subtitle.

(f) The Department shall renew the certificate or license of any applicant for a 3-year term if the applicant:

  (1) Submits a renewal application on the form that the Department requires;

  (2) Pays to the Department the applicable fee stated in Sec. 8-806 of this subtitle;

  (3) Complies with applicable continuing education requirements;

  (4) Complies with applicable record keeping and reporting requirements; and

  (5) Otherwise is entitled to be certified or licensed.

(g)

  (1) The Department may issue a farm operator's plan development certificate to a person operating a farm for the development of that person's own nutrient management plan.

  (2) The certificate is valid provided the person operating the farm:

    (i) Has paid the one-time fee provided in Sec. 8-806 of this subtitle;

    (ii) Has passed an examination as determined by the Department;

    (iii) Complies with applicable continuing education requirements;

    (iv) Complies with applicable record keeping and reporting requirements; and

    (v) Otherwise is entitled to be certified.

(h) A person that holds a license or certificate issued under this section shall comply with all applicable reporting requirements and deadlines established by the Department, including deadlines related to:

  (1) Implementation of the Phosphorus Management Tool developed by the University of Maryland; and

  (2) Submission of soil test phosphorus levels related to nutrient management plans developed in accordance with this subtitle.

(i) In addition to any penalty authorized under Sec. 8-805 of this subtitle, a person that violates subsection (h) of this section is subject to an administrative penalty not exceeding $250.

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Md. Code Ann., Agric. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)