Safely apply fertilizer, manure, biosolids and other land-applied materials to protect water quality and soil health.
![Soil compostition](/enst.umd.edu/agnr.umd.edu/sites/agnr.umd.edu/files/styles/optimized/public/2021-11/soilcomposition.jpg?itok=tcjwazVM)
Fertilizer is a necessity for growing crops on land, but can cause nutrient overload through runoff into our streams and rivers, and into the Bay. Learn about projects focusing on safely applying fertilizers and biosolids to the land and how that can help the Bay habitats.
Develop stormwater management technologies in the built environment to protect and conserve water resources.
![Stormwater Management project in Baltimore City](/enst.umd.edu/agnr.umd.edu/sites/agnr.umd.edu/files/styles/optimized/public/2021-11/stormwatermanagement.jpg?itok=bZwK3-UV)
Stormwater runoff from the built environment can have a significant impact on the quality of our watershed. Developing new technologies to manage stormwater can help protect the Bay from harmful chemicals and debris.
Create environmentally aware communities to promote interest and participation in environmental stewardship.
![Watershed Steward Academy](/enst.umd.edu/agnr.umd.edu/sites/agnr.umd.edu/files/styles/optimized/public/2021-11/WSAHoward.jpg?itok=Rah5P5Cu)
Maintaining a clean watershed and waterways takes participation from everyone in the community. Our research focuses on building awareness and appreciation for the Bay's unique resources.
Design land use management strategies to minimize negative environmental impacts.
![Land Management strategies](/enst.umd.edu/agnr.umd.edu/sites/agnr.umd.edu/files/styles/optimized/public/2021-11/9D_2BC_177274_1321058036_4.jpg?itok=u2IdJYME)
Scientists are working to identify land management strategies designed to protect the Chesapeake Bay for both urban and rural environments. Learn more about the research projects focused on land use in the watershed region.
Adapt in the face of climate change to address sea level rise and extreme weather.
![Saltwater intrusion research](/enst.umd.edu/agnr.umd.edu/sites/agnr.umd.edu/files/styles/optimized/public/2021-11/saltwaterintrusion.jpg?itok=DE78E06u)
Climate change threatens our water quality and food security. Learn about current research addressing rising sea levels and extreme weather events and how it affects the Chesapeake Bay region.
Collaborate with partners across the watershed in the development of strategies for the protection of the Bay’s living resources.
![Water Consortium](/enst.umd.edu/agnr.umd.edu/sites/agnr.umd.edu/files/styles/optimized/public/2021-11/waterconsortium.jpg?itok=E2F-l1Es)
Working with other institutions, nonprofits, government agencies, industry partners, and the public, strengthens our ability to identify issues and implement solutions in environmentally and economically sustainable ways. Learn about collaborative research to protect the Bay's living resources.
Learn More
Featured News and Events
Groundwater Quality
Cover Crops
Soil Science
Stream Restoration Trade-offs
Incentive Programs
Extension
Academics
AGNR Cornerstone Event
Optimizing Nutrient Use in Agriculture
Cover crops and how they help the Chesapeake Bay.
Partnering Institutions
University of Maryland Extension
![Chesapeake Bay](/enst.umd.edu/agnr.umd.edu/sites/agnr.umd.edu/files/styles/optimized/public/2021-11/ches_bay_1.jpg?itok=FEcD7ZyC)
University of Maryland Extension
Includes Best Management Practices, Public Outreach Programs, and more!
Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology
![Hughes Center](/enst.umd.edu/agnr.umd.edu/sites/agnr.umd.edu/files/styles/optimized/public/2021-11/hughescenter_1.jpg?itok=642KszVN)
Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology
Providing environmentally sound agriculture and forestry through research, outreach and collaboration.
Maryland Sea Grant
![coastal waterways](/enst.umd.edu/agnr.umd.edu/sites/agnr.umd.edu/files/styles/optimized/public/2021-11/Blackwater_1.jpg?itok=_KUdi2xV)
Working to preserve and restore the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland's coastal waterways.