Education is the key component of the new fertilizer certification. Farmers will receive research-based training to keep nutrients in the field and available to crops, while reducing nutrients leaving the field. This certification requirement is in response to concern that phosphorous and nitrogen from farm fields contribute to algal blooms in Lake Erie and to the hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico.
OSU Extension, Clermont County is hosting an Agriculture Fertilizer Certification training on August 31, 2017 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm located at the 4-H Hall on the Clermont County Fairgrounds (1000 Locust Street, Batavia, OH). The 3-hour training will be for individuals who currently have a pesticide license and for those who do not have a pesticide license, but need the fertilizer certification. Registration is open to anyone that still needs this training for Ohio certification before September 30, 2017.
Fertilizer certification is required if you apply fertilizer (other than manure) to more than 50 acres of agricultural production grown primarily for sale. If you hire a co-op or other custom applicator to make your fertilizer applications, you do not need the certification.
While the training course is free, registration is required. You may register at nutrienteducation.osu.edu or by calling the office at 513-732-7070. This will be one of the last trainings hosted in the state for Agriculture Fertilizer Certification. If you do not have the fertilizer certification by September 30, 2017, it will be a test option to receive the certification from Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Efforts, in addition to the fertilizer certification, will continue across the state to reduce all nonpoint sources of excess nutrients, both in rural and urban areas. Taking a soil sample is the first step to applying the correct nutrients for the given crop or area to be fertilized.
Best management practices will be the basis of the agricultural fertilizer certification training with a focus on fertilizer applications that have the appropriate: rate, timing, placement and source.
For more information contact Gigi Neal, OSU Extension Clermont County Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, at 513-732-7070 or email neal.331@osu.edu