What does the Nutrient Management Certification program focus on?

The Nutrient Management Certification program is primarily focused on ensuring proper manure handling and storage practices. This emphasis is critical because effective manure management plays a significant role in preventing environmental contamination, such as water and soil pollution. By training participants in best practices for storing, handling, and applying manure, the program aims to minimize nutrient runoff and maximize the efficiency of nutrient use in agricultural practices. This not only helps in maintaining soil health but also promotes sustainability within farming operations by reducing potential negative impacts on surrounding ecosystems.

The other options, while relevant to agricultural practices, do not encompass the specific objectives and focus of the Nutrient Management Certification program as directly as proper manure handling does. Increasing crop yield is important but not the primary focus of the certification; instead, it concerns the methods and practices that support sustainable nutrient management. Similarly, promoting organic farming techniques and regulating pesticide use are critical aspects of agriculture but do not specifically align with the goals of the nutrient management certification initiative.