Improving Manure and Fertilizer Use in Delaware through Nutrient Management Certification.

Water quality problems related to agricultural non-point nutrient losses resulted in the 1999 Delaware Nutrient Management Act, which mandated that individuals who fertilize more than 10 acres of land, own/manage more than 8,000 pounds live animal weight, apply nutrients for a fee, or consult in the business of nutrients must become nutrient certified. In addition, the Delaware Nutrient Management Law set requirements for animal waste management plans and nutrient management plan and sets limits for application of nutrients to agricultural soils. Since its inception in 2001, the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension has certified more than 2,500 individuals at four certification levels (nutrient generator, private nutrient handler, commercial nutrient handler, and nutrient consultant). In 2013, we instituted pre- and post-testing and comprehensive evaluation of the initial certification sessions to determine short-term impacts (i.e., change in knowledge, awareness, and attitude). In 2014, 58 of 80 participants (73%) increased their knowledge (20% on average) of Delaware’s nutrient management issues and certification requirements. Participants indicated that they were responsible for nutrient management decisions on more than 690,000 acres. Respondents also indicated their willingness to adopt new or change existing management practices after attending the certification sessions. For example, 16 of 22 respondents in 2014 indicated they would submit an annual report to the Delaware Department of Agriculture (as required by Delaware state law). Based on a survey of all program participants since 2001, we suggest that nutrient management certification was an effective method of producing behavior change.