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, August 20, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon (for Nutrient Generators)

Wednesday, August 20, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Soils and Nutrient Cycling for Agriculture

Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Animal Production and Nutrient Management

Wednesday, September 3, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon (for Nutrient Generators)

Manure and Fertilizer Management

Wednesday, September 3, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (for producers without livestock)

Nutrient Consultant

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Commercial Nutrient Handler Exam

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Nutrient Consultant Exams

Wednesday September 16, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Turfgrass Sessions

Introduction to Water Quality and Nutrient Management

Information coming soon

Soils and Fertilizers for Horticulture

Information coming soon

Turfgrass and Ornamental Management

Information coming soon

Commercial Nutrient Handler

Information coming soon

Commercial Nutrient Handler and Nutrient Consultant Exams

Information coming soon

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

To register for the sessions, contact Gioiella Del Vecchio at 302-735-8137 or email gdelv@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.