Skip to Main Content

Pennsylvania Nutrient Management

About Pennsylvania Nutrient Management

In 2005, with a stated desire to govern “certain agricultural operations which generate or utilize animal manure,” the Pennsylvania legislature passed the Pennsylvania Nutriment Management Act (Act 38) as part of the Agriculture, Communities, and Rural Environment (ACRE) initiative.  The resulting regulations became effective October 2006.

Under the Pennsylvania Nutrient Management Act (Act 38), any farm that meets the definition of a concentrated agricultural operation (CAO) must develop and maintain a written nutrient management plan prepared by a certified nutrient management specialist.  Though not required, farms that do not meet the CAO definition are encouraged to voluntarily submit nutrient management plans as a way to improve yields, lower liability, and become eligible for related financial assistance, low interest loans, and grants.

This guide is intended to represent a collection of legal resources relating to the Pennsylvania Nutrient Management Act (Act 38).  While the Center for Agricultural and Shale Law makes every effort to maintain and update the content furnished in this guide, no warranty or other guarantee is made regarding the timeliness or accuracy of any information provided. 


For more information, please contact the Guide Author, Sean High, Staff Attorney at The Center for Agricultural and Shale Law.  

Phone: (814) 865-5017

Email: mzh177@psu.edu


The Center for Agricultural and Shale Law

Penn State Law

The Pennsylvania State University

329 Innovation Blvd., Suite 118

University Park, PA 16803

Phone: (814) 865-4290

Fax: (814) 865-3851