Nutrient Management Certification

The University of Delaware will offer the following Nutrient Management certification sessions:

Agriculture Sessions

Introduction to Water Quality and Nutrient Management

Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon ag.

Soils and Nutrient Cycling for Agriculture

Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Animal Production and Nutrient Management

Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon for producers with poultry or livestock

Manure and Fertilizer Management

Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 1:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. for producers without livestock

Commercial Nutrient Handler

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Nutrient Consultant

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Commercial Nutrient Handler and Nutrient Consultant Exams

Wednesday March 26, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Nutrient Management Certification Sessions for Turfgrass and Horticulture Managers December 2024

If you apply nutrients to a ¼ acre or more of land and/or you apply nutrients to land as part of a business, Delaware law states that you must be certified through the Nutrient Management Program.

All the sessions below will be held at the University of Delaware Paradee Center at 69 Transportation Circle Dover, DE 19901

December 2024 Session Schedule

Introduction to Water Quality and Nutrient Management

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Soils and Nutrient Cycling
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Turf Selection and Ornamental Horticulture
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Commercial Nutrient Handler/Nutrient Consultant

Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Commercial Nutrient Handler and Consultant Exam

Wednesday, December 18, 2024 - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

You will NOT be able to receive continuing education credits by attending these sessions. 

John Emerson at 302-831-4977 or email nutrient-management@udel.edu.

Exam Preparation

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take the certification sessions in order?

• Sessions should be taken in order. For example, you should attend Session I before attending Session II.

I am a poultry grower and give my manure to a local farmer.  Do I need to be certified?

• Yes, poultry growers who do not land-apply nutrients (manure and/or fertilizer) will need to attend Session I and Session II. You will be become certified at the Nutrient Generator level.

I apply nutrients (manure and/or fertilizer) to more than 10 acres of land that I rent.  Do I need to be certified or does the landowner need to be certified?

• The person who is applying the nutrients needs to become certified at the Private Nutrient Handler level.  To become certified as a Private Nutrient Handler you will need to attend Sessions I, II and III.

I work at a golf course and apply fertilizer to more than ten acres.  Which level do I need to be certified at and does everyone who applies fertilizer at the golf course need to be certified?

• Golf course personnel that apply nutrients to 10 or more acres of their employer’s course need to become certified at the Private Nutrient Handler level.  You will need to attend Sessions I, II and III.  At least one person who works at the golf course will need to be certified with the understanding that everyone who applies fertilizer at the golf course will work under the certified individual’s certification.

I own a lawn a care company and I apply fertilizer to 50 ½ acre lawns.  Which level do I need to certified at?

• Lawn care company personnel that apply nutrients to client’s lawns need to attend Session I, Session II, Session III, Session IV: Commercial Nutrient Handler and pass the Commercial Nutrient Handler Exam. At least one person who works for the lawn care company will need to be certified with the understanding that everyone who applies fertilizer for the lawn care company will work under the certified individual’s certification.

I want to write nutrient management plans in Delaware.  Which sessions do I need to attend?

• To write nutrient management plans you need to attend Session I, Session II, Session III, Session IV: Nutrient Consultant and pass the Nutrient Consultant Exam.

I want to write nutrient management plans in Delaware and I am already certified as a Nutrient Consultant in Maryland.  How do I become certified as a Nutrient Consultant in Delaware?

• You will need to attend Session I and then submit supporting documentation to the Delaware Department of Agriculture.