(a) Each brand and grade of commercial fertilizer distributed in the State shall be accompanied by a legible label bearing the following information:
(1) The net weight;
(2) The brand and grade under which the commercial fertilizer is distributed;
(3) The guaranteed analysis giving the nominal percentage of every plant nutrient claimed to be contained in the fertilizer; and
(4) Name and address of manufacturer.
Bulk statements
(b) If distributed in bulk, a written or printed statement of the information required by subsection (a) of this section shall accompany delivery and be supplied to the purchaser at the time of delivery.
Mixture statements
(c) Any fertilizer mixed or blended according to a formula furnished by a purchaser shall be marked plainly or tagged with the words “buyer's mixture”, or “mixed-to-order”, or “custom-mix” together with a statement containing the following information:
(1) Net weight;
(2) The guaranteed analysis giving the nominal percentage of every plant nutrient claimed to be contained in the fertilizer; and
(3) Name and address of the manufacturer. In addition, the amounts or kinds of materials used in the formulation may be shown.
Specialty fertilizers
(d)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a specialty fertilizer shall be labeled to contain all information required by subsection (a) of this section.
(2) A specialty fertilizer used on turf shall be labeled to contain:
(i) All of the information required by subsection (a) of this section;
(ii) The percentage of total nitrogen, including the percentage of other water soluble nitrogen and water insoluble nitrogen;
(iii) The percentage of available phosphate;
(iv) The percentage of soluble potash; and
(v) 1. The following statement: ”Do not apply near water, storm drains or drainage ditches. Do not apply if heavy rain is expected. Apply this product only to your lawn, and sweep any product that lands on the driveway, sidewalk, or street back onto your lawn.”; or
2. The environmental hazard statement recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for that product.
(3) The information required under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection shall be printed in a legible and conspicuous manner on at least one side of the container, or if it does not appear on the face or display side of the container, it shall appear on the upper third of the side used.
Phosphate limits
(e)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, on or after April 1, 2011, a lawn fertilizer with an available phosphate (P2O5) content greater than 5%:
(i) May not be labeled for use on established lawns or grass;
(ii) May not be labeled with spreader settings; and
(iii) Shall be marked with the words “NOT FOR USE ON ESTABLISHED LAWNS OR GRASS” in at least a three-quarter inch font and in a legible and conspicuous manner on the front side of the container.
(2) This subsection does not apply to seed starter fertilizer for use on newly established lawns or turf.
Label requirements
(f) Each brand of soil conditioner distributed in the State shall be accompanied by a legible label bearing the following information:
(1) Net weight or other measure prescribed as satisfactory by the Secretary;
(2) The brand under which the soil conditioner is distributed;
(3) An accurate statement of composition and purpose; and
(4) Name and address of the registrant.
Credits
Added by Acts 1973, 1st Sp. Sess., c. 6, § 1. Amended by Acts 2009, c. 278, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2009; Acts 2009, c. 279, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2009; Acts 2011, c. 484, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2011; Acts 2011, c. 485, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2011; Acts 2014, c. 11, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2014.
Formerly Art. 66C, § 475.
MD Code, Agriculture, § 6-210, MD AGRIC § 6-210
Current through legislation effective through April 9, 2023, from the 2024 Regular Session of the General Assembly. Some statute sections may be more current, see credits for details.
