Education is the key component of the new fertilizer certification and farmers will receive reasearch-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 from farm fields contributes to blue-green algal blooms in Lake Erie and escaping nitrogen contributes to the hypoxic zone in the Gult of Mexico.
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.
Best management practices will be the basis of the agricultural fertilizer certification training with a focus on fertilizer applications that have the appropriate: rate, time, placement and source.
Do I need agricultural fertilizer certification? 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.
Do I need the certification if I raise forage for my livestock? The term "agricultural production" is defined as the cultivation, primarily for sale, of plants or any parts of plants on more than 50 acres. If you raise forage (e.g., hay, silage, corn) for use on your farm, and have questions about fertilizer certification, please contact the Ohio Department of Agriculture by phone at 614-728-6987 or you can email http://pesticides@agri.ohio.gov.
When do I need the certification? Individuals are encouraged to obtain certification as soon as possible, or when renewing their pesticide applicator license.. For more information and details, go to http://nutritioneducation.osu.edu.
What records need to be kept? The records for fertilizer applications must be kept for three years by the certified applicator. Recordkeeping requirements are currently being developed and will be posted online at http://nutrienteducation.osu.edu when finalized.
Steps for becoming certified for agricultural fertilizer applications if you DO NOT have an Ohio Pesticide Applicator License
- Attend a fertilizer certification training class offered by Ohio State University Extension. A schedule of classes will be available at http://nutrienteducation.osu.edu or by contacting your county OSU Extension office. You will need to attend a class that offers initial certification.
- Complete and sign the fertilizer certification form at the end of the training class. The form will be mailed by OSU Extension to the Ohio Department of Agriculture. You will retain a copy for your records.
- Pay $30 for the fertilizer applicator certification. The invoice for the certification fee will be sent to you by the Ohio Department of Agriculture after you complete the fertilizer certification training class. You will need to recertify for fertilizer application every three years.
Steps for becoming certified for agricultural fertilizer applications if you currently HAVE an Ohio Pesticide Applicator License
- Attend a fertilizer certification traning class offered by Ohio State University Extension when your pesticide recertification is due.
- Complete and sign the fertilizer certification form at the end of the training class. The form will be mailed by OSU Extension to the Ohio Department of Agriculture. You will retain a copy for your records.
- You're done! Because you already have an Ohio pesticide applicator license, there is no charge for the fertilizer certification. You will need to recertify your fertilizer certification every three years along with your pesticde applicator license.