Implementation of the NJ Fertilizer Law: What You Need to Know Jim Murphy Extension Specialist in Turfgrass Management

Taken Effect in 2011 Fertilizer applications… 1.are prohibited before or during heavy rains and any time the soil is saturated or frozen. 2.on impervious surfaces are prohibited; must cleanup. 3.are prohibited from: after December 1 st and before March 1 st for professionals after November 15 th and before March 1 st for homeowners NJ Fertilizer Law

Takes Effect 5 January 2012… –Application of fertilizers containing N and/or P restricted in buffer areas alongside waterbodies (25 or 10 feet). Note: one `rescue treatment’ per year to turf in a buffer is allowed –Turf fertilizers must be zero phosphate. Only apply phosphate if prescribed by a soil test, when new turf is being established or repaired, or when using certain products with natural organic components containing phosphorus. –Limits the annual N rate –Limits N rate per application –Professional fertilizer applications must be done by certified or trained applicators. Trained applicators must be supervised by a certified fertilizer applicator.

Effective in 2012 All persons that apply fertilizer for commercial purposes or any hired individual who applies fertilizer to turf shall: 1.Employ or retain the services of a Certified Fertilizer Applicator, or be a Certified Fertilizer Applicator. 2.Apply fertilizer at rates, times, and methods that are consistent with standards and criteria for nutrient management promulgated by the New Jersey Legislature and NJAES-accepted standards. 3.Ensure that fertilizer applications are conducted as prescribed by trained or certified applicators.

Who is a Professional Fertilizer Applicator? … is defined as any individual who applies fertilizer for hire, including any employee of a government entity who applies fertilizer within the scope of employment. Professional fertilizer applicators are required to be trained in five subject areas. Training is verified through a certification program.

Professional Fertilizer Applicator Certification Training (ProFACT) profact.rutgers.edu

Certified fertilizer applicators are required to be trained in the following subject areas: the proper use and calibration of fertilizer application equipment; the hazards involved in, and the environmental impact of, applying fertilizer, including nutrient pollution to the State’s waterbodies; all applicable State and federal laws, rules and regulations; the correct interpretation of fertilizer labeling information; and the best management practices developed by the NJAES for nutrient management in turf.

Trained Applicators In addition to Certified Fertilizer Applicators, the following individuals may apply fertilizer to turf : 1.Individuals engaged in training required for a Trained Applicator or for certification provided that the individuals are under the direct on-site supervision of a Certified Fertilizer Applicator. 2.Trained Applicators under the direct supervision of the supervising Certified Fertilizer Applicator who shall provide written instructions and maintain immediate contact with the Trained Applicator via radio or phone (voice) communication and be within reasonable driving distance of the location where fertilizer is being applied by the Trained Applicator.

profact.rutgers.edu Training program (in development) will be available online at profact.rutgers.edu for both certified and trained fertilizer applicators. Examination of those seeking certification will be conducted online. Registration and Training should be available late December or early January.

Certification Program: Registration No fees for registration to access the online training materials. Registration information will include the applicant’s: 1.Last name, first name, and middle initial; 2.Complete mailing address, phone, fax, and address; 3.Affiliation, company, or business name, mailing address, phone, fax, and address; and 4.Documentation of successful completion of NJAES- approved training, if applicable.

$75 fee charged to initiate the online examination. If necessary, applicant may retake the online test within 30 days. A second retake within 60 days by contacting the certification program at NJAES. Upon passing the examination, a certification card will be issued electronically to the Certified Fertilizer Applicator, which can be printed by the Certified Fertilizer Applicator and will be valid through the 31 st of December. The certification card will be annually updated and electronically issued upon payment of the $25 annual fee through the NJAES website. E- mail notification. Fees will be adjusted (up or down), if necessary. Fees are to cover the costs associated with the program. Certification Program: Examination

Certification is valid for 4 years, with payment of annual fee. Re-certification after 4 years possible through 2 methods: 1.Earn continuing education credits (online as well as approved meetings) during the 4 years cycle and payment of annual fee, or... 2.Re-train and re-take examination. Certification Program: Re-certification

After training and payment of $25 fee, a record of the Trained Applicator will be entered and maintained for 1 year on the NJAES website and shall include: 1.Last name, first name, and middle initial of the Trained Applicator; 2.Complete mailing address, phone, fax, and address; 3.Affiliation, company, or business name, mailing address, phone, fax, and address; 4.Name of the supervising Certified Fertilizer Applicator; 5.Name and contact information of qualified organization or person providing training to the Trained Applicator, if not NJAES; 6.Date when the Trained Applicator successfully completed individual applicator training; and 7.Calendar year for which the training applies. Trained Applicator Program

Professional Fertilizer Applicator Certification Training (ProFACT) Functional by late December or early January –Register as a user (to become a Certified Fertilizer Applicator) –Initiate training and track progress Functional later in January –Fee payment system and examination for certification –Notification of passing or need to re-take –Delivery of Certificate –Training for Trained Applicators

Questions profact.rutgers.edu