Ohio Nutrient Education & Management

Find agricultural fertilizer certification training near you

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Over 6,000 applicators certified representing over 1 million acres

As of April 1, 2015, over 6,000 applicators have attended training offered by Ohio State University Extension for the agricultural fertilizer certification. These applicators represent over one million acres of crop fields, according to meeting surveys. More certification training opportunities will be offered by OSU Extension this spring and summer. Click here to find a training near you.

Ohio's New Agriculture Fertilizer Certification Requirements

Click here for a brochure summarizing certification requirements: 

Who needs a fertilizer certification?

Fertilizer certification is required if you apply fertilizer (other than manure) to more than 50 acres used for agricultural production grown primarily for sale. If you have the co-op or other custom applicator make your fertilizer applications, you do not need the certification.

What fertilizer is included in the certification?

Fertilizer is any substance containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, or other plant nutrient in a dry or liquid formulation. All application types (broadcast, side dress, sub-surface, knifing, etc.) are included in the certification requirement. The only application exempted is start-up fertilizers that are applied through a planter. For this certification requirement, lime and limestone are not considered fertilizers.

Who is exempt from the training requirement?

Applicators who are a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) or Ohio Certified Livestock Manager (CLM) are not required to attend training to become certified for fertilizer applications. However, those with a CCA or CLM exemption for training must still contact Ohio Department of Agriculture at 614-728-6987 to complete the exemption paperwork and pay for the fertilizer certification if the applicator does not already have a pesticide applicator license.

When do I need the certification?

The certification must be obtained by September 30, 2017.

What training is required for the certification?

Farmers and applicators need to attend a training course offered by Ohio State University Extension to become certified. Those who have a pesticide applicator license need to attend a two-hour fertilizer certification for private applicators or for commercial applicators.

If an applicator does not have a pesticide license, they will be required to attend a three-hour fertilizer certification.

How much is the agricultural fertilizer certification?

The agricultural fertilizer certification is $30 for a three year certification. If an applicator already has a valid pesticide license, the $30 fertilizer certification fee will be waived.

Special note!To have the $30 fertilizer certification fee waived, the applicator must have a valid pesticide applicator license PRIOR to attending the fertilizer certification meeting. If the pesticide applicator license is obtained after the applicator attends the fertilizer certification, they will be billed for both.

What are the Record Keeping Requirements for certified fertilizer applicators? (click here)

Click here for a recordkeeping app for Ohio certified fertilizer applicators.

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