Nutrient Management – Tidal Buffer – Vegetative Buffers and Restriction on Fertilizer Application

SB 898 requires agricultural landowners within 100 feet of tidal waters to install vegetative buffers (native vegetation strips) along water bodies, replacing fertilizer use in these zones for new nutrient management plans. It provides financial incentives including upfront bonuses of up to $1,500 per acre, annual payments of at least $150 per acre, and reimbursement for up to 150% of buffer installation costs. The bill mandates buffers must fill the full 100-foot width of the tidal buffer zone and prohibits fertilizer application within this area for renewed nutrient management plans. These changes directly affect agricultural operators with land in Maryland's tidal buffer zones, aiming to reduce nutrient runoff into waterways.