Search IPCM Newsletter Archives

The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) requires consultants responsible for nutrient management plans developed for cost share programs such as EQIP be certified Technical Service Providers. The routes available to obtain certification have changed over time and can be confusing.

In a new program, Certified Crop Advisors (CCA's) or Certified Professional Agronomists (CPAg's) only need to sign paperwork verifying they are proficient in the areas and performance objectives associated with nutrient management and submit a nutrient management plan to the NRCS State Agronomist for review to be certified as a TSP. Contact Dick Purcell (Dick.Purcell@mo.usda.gov) for the required paper work.

The traditional track to certification requires applicants to document four elements of their experience and background. This track is open to anyone who wishes to become a nutrient management TSP. This track requires:

1. Document education and experience. Prospective planners must provide one of three forms of documentation: professional certification (e.g. CCA, CPAg), Bachelor's degree in relevant field (e.g. agronomy or soil science) plus one-year's experience as a practitioner, or three years of experience as a practitioner.
2. Evidence of knowledge about the key tools used in nutrient management planning to reduce the potential for nutrient transport including the phosphorus index, RUSLE2, leaching index.
3. Completion of the on-line seven module course on the Nutrient track of the NRCS course Nutrient and Pest Considerations in Conservation Planning. Visit www.aglearn. usda.gov for this training. You will need an eauthentication number to use this website.
4. Provide two references that can verify your proficiency in providing nutrient management planning services.

Nutrient management planners who also want to certify nutrient management plans as part of a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) must also complete an approved nutrient management course.

University of Missouri Extension will be running a two-part Nutrient Management Course in January. This course covers the basic concepts in nutrient management planning. We recommend all people writing plans in Missouri take the Missouri course. The course can be used to document requirement (2) of the certification process (evidence of knowledge of key tools) and is an approved course to meet CNMP nutrient management planning certification requirements. The course also provides continuing education units for CCA's and CAFO operators. Visit the website http://nmplanner.missouri.edu/trainings/mnmp_course.html for specific information on dates, costs and how to register for the course.

Certification requirements can be confusing. Resources to help you understand the certification process are available at http://www.mo.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/tsp_index.html and http://techreg.usda.gov/. The contact for Missouri requirements for TSP's is Dick Purcell (Dick.Purcell@mo.usda.gov) at Missouri NRCS.

John A. Lory, Division of Plant Science,
Commercial Agriculture Program 573-884-7307