first published in the February 2025 Equiery

Update Your Nutrient Management Plan and Submit Your AIR
February is the perfect time to update your Nutrient Management Plan in preparation for applying fertilizer to your pastures in March. Nutrient Management Plans are required by law for farms with over 8,000 pounds of live animal weight or generating at least $2,500 in gross income.

Plans must be written by individuals certified through the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Management Program. University of Maryland Extension offers free plan writing, while private consultants provide the service at a cost. For a list of certified nutrient management consultants, visit mda.maryland.gov/HOW. Training is also available for farmers to become certified to write plans for their own operations.

If you have a Nutrient Management Plan, you must submit an Annual Implementation Report (AIR) to the Maryland Department of Agriculture before March 1st of each year. This report summarizes nutrient applications made in the previous year.

Take Soil Samples
Regardless of whether or not you need a Nutrient Management Plan, it’s important to sample your soil if you plan on applying fertilizer to your pastures. Samples should be taken at least every three years, ideally around the same time to ensure consistency. Below is a list of procedures for collecting and sending off samples.

  1. Gather your supplies. You’ll need a soil probe, a clean bucket, and a small bag for each field being sampled. Your local University of Maryland Extension office or soil conservation district may have soil probes available to borrow.
  2. Collect your sample by pushing the soil probe 8” deep into the soil. To accurately represent the entire field or management area, you’ll need to take at least 15-20 cores and mix them thoroughly in a non-metal bucket. Choose random spots to take the cores, walking in a zig-zag pattern across the entire field. Avoid atypical areas, such as gates and feeders where horses congregate, stay away from manure piles and severely eroded spots.
  3. After your cores have been mixed together, scoop 1.5 cups into a small bag for that designated field. Repeat steps 1-3 for each field.
  4. Select a laboratory to send your sample to. Visit extension.umd.edu/resource/soil-testing-lab-comparison for a directory of laboratories to choose from. Follow the submission procedures specific to the laboratory you have chosen.
  5. After processing your sample(s), the laboratory will send you a soil test report. In this report, you’ll find the status of your soil fertility and pH. With these results, your Nutrient Management Plan writer be able to figure out the type and quantity of fertilizer and lime needed for good pasture growth.

Establishing and maintaining a dense, vigorous pasture isn’t easy, but inexpensive soil tests are an excellent tool for getting a leg up on weak stands and bare patches.