2013 Maryland Code
AGRICULTURE
§ 6-210 - Labeling

§6-210.

(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 minimum percentage of every plant nutrient claimed to be contained in the fertilizer; and

(4) Name and address of manufacturer.

(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.

(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 minimum 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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

§ 6-210 - 1. Commercial fertilizer -- Required signage at retail outlets

(a) In general. -- Any retail outlet distributing commercial fertilizer in bags weighing 50 pounds or more shall display prominently a sign advising customers that:

(1) Overuse of commercial fertilizer damages State waters, including the Chesapeake Bay; and

(2) Customers concerned with protecting and restoring the health of the Chesapeake Bay and other State waters should, before using a commercial fertilizer, receive a chemical analysis of the soil to be fertilized from a soil-testing laboratory.

(b) Development of signs by Department. -- The Department shall developy and make available at no cost to an affected retailer a sign that meets the requirements of subsection (a) of this section.