1. A. A professional fertilizer applicator or trained employee may not:

   1. (1) Apply fertilizer intended for use on turf to an impervious surface; or

   2. (2) Apply fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus to turf:

      1. (a) At any time when the ground is frozen;
      2. (b) Within 15 feet of waters of the State, however, if using a drop spreader, rotary spreader with a deflector or a targeted spray, then the distance may be reduced to 10 feet; or
      3. (c) In an amount that is inconsistent with the annual recommended rate established by the University of Maryland (Maryland Nutrient Management Manual I-E1, COMAR 15.20.07.02).

2. B. A professional fertilizer applicator or trained employee may not apply enhanced efficiency fertilizer to turf:

   1. (1) At a rate exceeding 2.5 pounds per 1,000 square feet of nitrogen per year;
   2. (2) Before March 1 or after November 15 of any calendar year;
   3. (3) In excess of 80 percent of the total annual recommended rate of nitrogen established by the University of Maryland Extension (Maryland Nutrient Management Manual I-E1, COMAR 15.20.07.02); and
   4. (4) Having a release rate in excess of 0.7 pounds per 1000 square feet of nitrogen per month.

3. C. Except as specified for enhanced efficiency fertilizer, neither a professional fertilizer applicator, nor a trained employee may apply fertilizer to turf:

   1. (1) At an application rate of more than 0.7 pounds per 1000 square feet of water-soluble nitrogen; and
   2. (2) At an application rate of more than 0.9 pounds per 1,000 square feet of total nitrogen.

4. D. Except as provided for in §C(2) of this regulation:

   1. (1) A professional fertilizer applicator or trained employee shall apply nitrogen or phosphorus to turf only from March 1 through November 15 of any calendar year; and
   2. (2) From November 16 through December 1, a professional fertilizer applicator or a trained employee may apply up to 0.5 pounds per 1,000 square feet of water-soluble nitrogen.

Authority: Agriculture Article, §§8-801—8-806, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date:

Regulations .04 and .06 under new Chapter, Fertilizer Application Requirements for Land Not Used for Agricultural Purposes, adopted effective May 13, 2013 (40:9 Md. R. 789)

Regulations .01—.03 adopted effective October 28, 2013 (40:21 Md. R. 1780)

Regulations .05 adopted effective October 28, 2013 (40:21 Md. R. 1780)

Regulations .05D amended effective May 16, 2022 (49:10 Md. R. 562)

Regulations .07 adopted effective October 28, 2013 (40:21 Md. R. 1780)

Regulations .07D amended effective May 16, 2022 (49:10 Md. R. 562)

Regulations .08 adopted effective October 28, 2013 (40:21 Md. R. 1780)

Regulations .08F amended effective May 16, 2022 (49:10 Md. R. 562)

Regulations 09—.17 adopted effective October 28, 2013 (40:21 Md. R. 1780)