Md. Code Regs. 15.20.10.16

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 15.20.10.16 - Non-Professional Fertilizer Applicators

A. A non-professional fertilizer applicator may not;

(1) Apply fertilizer intended for use on turf to an impervious surface;

(2) Apply fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus to turf:

(a) At any time when the ground is frozen;

(b) Before March 1 or after November 15 of any calendar year; or

(c) Within 15 feet of waters of the State, however, if using a drop spreader, rotary spreader with a deflector or a targeted spray, then the distance may be reduced to 10 feet.

B. A non-professional fertilizer applicator may not apply enhanced efficiency fertilizer to turf:

(1) At a rate exceeding 2.5 pounds per 1,000 square feet of nitrogen per year;

(2) In excess of 80 percent of the total annual recommended rate of nitrogen established by the University of Maryland Extension (Maryland Nutrient Management Manual I-E1 and I-E2, COMAR 15.20.07.02 );

(3) That has a release rate in excess of 0.7 pounds per 1,000 square feet per month of nitrogen; or

(4) Before March 1 or after November 15 of any calendar year.

C. Except as specified in §B of this regulation, for enhanced efficiency fertilizer, a non-professional fertilizer applicator may not apply fertilizer to turf:

(1) At an application rate of more than 0.7 pounds per 1,000 square feet of water-soluble nitrogen;

(2) At an application rate of more than 0.9 pounds per 1,000 square feet of total nitrogen;

(3) That contains less than 20 percent slow-release nitrogen; or

(4) In an amount that is inconsistent with the annual recommended rate established by the University of Maryland Extension (Maryland Nutrient Management Manual I-E1 and I-E2, COMAR 15.20.07.02 ).

D. Phosphorus Restrictions. A non-professional fertilizer applicator may not apply a fertilizer containing phosphorus to turf unless either:

(1) The application is made based on the results of a soil test taken not more than 3 years before the application, and the application rate does not exceed the rate recommended by the University of Maryland Extension (Maryland Nutrient Management Manual I-E1 and I-E2, COMAR 15.20.07.02 ); or

(2) The application is made for the purpose of establishing turf on bare ground, and the application is made in accordance with the seeding recommendations of the University of Maryland Extension (Maryland Nutrient Management Manual I-E2, COMAR 15.20.07.02 ) and either:

(a) The land has been disturbed such as by construction or tillage; or

(b) A lawn patch product is used.

E. Counties, municipalities, or other political subdivisions of the State may enforce this regulation.

Md. Code Regs. 15.20.10.16

Regulations.16, adopted effective 40:21 Md. R. 1780, eff.10/28/2013