N.M. Code R. § 21.18.2.9
A. The minimum percentage of primary plant nutrients claimed by a fertilizer product shall appear on the product label in the following order and form.
total nitrogen (N)........................................ ________%
________% ammoniacal nitrogen
________% nitrate nitrogen
________% water insoluble nitrogen
________% urea nitrogen
________% (other recognized and determinable forms of N)
available phosphate (P2O5)............................ ________%
soluble potash (K2O)..................................... ________%
(other nutrients, elemental basis as prescribed in Subsection B of 21.18.2.9 NMAC)..______%
B. In addition to nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, other plant nutrients, when mentioned in any form or manner, shall be registered and shall be guaranteed. Guarantees shall be made on the elemental basis. Sources of the elements guaranteed and proof of availability shall be provided to the department upon request. Guarantees or claims for the following plant nutrients are the only ones which will be accepted. Unless excluded, the minimum percentages which will be accepted for registration are as follows:
element percent
calcium (Ca) 1.00
magnesium (Mg) 0.50
sulfur (S) 1.00
boron (B) 0.02
chlorine (Cl) 0.10
cobalt (Co) 0.0005
copper (Cu) 0.05
iron (Fe) 0.10
manganese (Mn) 0.05
molybdenum (Mo) 0.0005
nickel (Ni) 0.0010
sodium (Na) 0.10
zinc (Zn) 0.05
C. Levels below the percentages in Subsection B of 21.18.2.9 NMAC may be allowed provided that:
(1) justification is furnished by research data or other professional sources to satisfy the department that any of these minimum percentages would be detrimental to specific plants, or
(2) a commercial fertilizer is formulated according to specifications which are furnished by a consumer prior to mixing.
F. The label shall display:
(1) directions for use which include both an amount to be applied per unit area and a frequency of use per year; or
(2) a statement which says in effect, “for the agronomic application rates suitable for your geographical area or the maximum allowable non-nutrient application rates per acre, consult a trained soil specialist or write to (name and address of manufacturer/guarantor).”
K. Beneficial substances or compounds guarantees shall appear under the heading “contains beneficial substances” or “contains beneficial compounds.”
contains beneficial substances
beneficial substance. ………………% or acceptable units
purpose statement:
or
contains beneficial compounds
beneficial compound……………….% or acceptable units
purpose statement:
L. Bulk soil conditioner labeling in addition to requirements of 76-11-5 NMSA 1978:
(1) Net weight or volume basis
(2) Product claim(s) allowable for use:
(a) improves soil structure and porosity - creating a better plant root environment;
(b) increases moisture infiltration and permeability and reduces bulk density of heavy soils - improving moisture infiltration rates and reducing erosion and runoff;
(c) improves the moisture holding capacity of light soils - reducing water loss and nutrient leaching and improving moisture retention;
(d) improves the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soils;
(e) supplies organic matter;
(f) aids the proliferation of soil microorganisms;
(g) supplies beneficial microorganisms to soils and growing media;
(h) encourages vigorous root growth;
(i) allows plants to more effectively utilize nutrients while reducing nutrient loss by leaching;
(j) enables soils to retain nutrients longer;
(k) contains humus - assisting in soil aggregation and making nutrients more available for plant uptake;
(l) buffers soil pH.
(3) Feedstock statement: list of feedstocks from which the compost was derived.
[7/1/97; 21.18.2.9 NMAC - Rn, 21 NMAC 18.2.9, 05/29/09; A, 09/30/13]