1. A. Neither a professional fertilizer applicator, nor a trained employee may apply an organic or natural organic fertilizer containing phosphorus to turf unless;

   1. (1) A soil test taken not more than 3 years before the application indicates a low or medium level of phosphorus as determined by the equivalent University of Maryland FIV;
   2. (2) The fertilizer application rate does not exceed the rate recommended by the University of Maryland Extension (Maryland Nutrient Management Manual I-E1 and I-E2, COMAR 15.20.07.02); and
   3. (3) The fertilizer is a low phosphorus fertilizer.

2. B. Neither a professional fertilizer applicator, nor a trained employee may apply a fertilizer, which is not an organic or natural organic fertilizer, containing phosphorus to turf unless either:

   1. (1) The application is made based on the results of a soil test taken not more than 3 years before the application and the application rate does not exceed the rate recommended by the University of Maryland Extension (Maryland Nutrient Management Manual I-E1 and I-E2, COMAR 15.20.07.02); or

   2. (2) The application is made for the purpose of establishing turf on bare ground and the application is made in accordance with the seeding recommendations of the University of Maryland Extension (Maryland Nutrient Management Manual I-E2, COMAR 15.20.07.02), and either:

      1. (a) The land has been disturbed such as by construction or tillage; or
      2. (b) A lawn patch product is used.

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)