N.J. in second phase of strict fertilizer controls

Trenton, N.J. — Under legislation passed and signed by Gov. Chris Christie last January, New Jersey is moving into the second and strongest phase of the most restrictive controls on lawn fertilizer in the country. Effective Jan. 5, the second phase of the new state fertilizer law requires fertilizer application by a certified professional. That means that professional fertilizer applicators must be trained and pass an exam to be certified to apply fertilizer. “This is to assure that they understand proper rate calculations, basic principles of grass culture and management, calibration of equipment, safety precautions, and implications for the environment,” according to Stephanie Murphy, Ph.D., and director of Rutgers soil testing laboratory. The third phase of the law will go into effect on Jan. 5, 2013, when all fertilizer for turf is required to contain a minimum of 20 percent slow-release nitrogen and zero phosphorus, unless a soil test demonstrates a need for more. The law already has established strict controls on the fertilizer that can be used, mandating product types and controlling when and when not to fertilize as a means of reducing nutrient runoff into the endangered Barnegat Bay and other waterways. “The purpose of the law is to reduce input of nutrients to water bodies, especially the Barnegat Bay,” according to Murphy. She added that phosphorus is the main concern for fresh water, while nitrogen is the major concern for the bay area. The first of the three phases, effective last January, provides definitions for the sale, use, and application of fertilizer. Lawn fertilizing with phosphorus or nitrogen is prohibited before March 1 or after Nov. 15, or at any time when the ground is frozen. The third and final phase of the law, effective next January, further defines label and content requirements and outlaws fertilizer products that do not meet new content standards set by the law.