Education continues for new fertilizer rules

Indiana’s new fertilizer rules went into effect last weekend.  Matt Pearson, administrator for the Office of Indiana State Chemist says the new rules are a lot of best management practices and common sense to help protect water quality.

Pearson tells Brownfield they’ve been held numerous meetings over the last year leading up to the enactment date and educational sessions will continue.  “These do affect almost everyone in ag,” he says.  “We will continue to talk about it and promote this new rule and the fact that it is really best management practices.  We like regulation through communication and cooperation.”

Some frequently asked questions, he says, are:

* Where can I get a template for creating a fertilizer application plan?

* Are there restrictions for applying manure to frozen or snow-covered ground?

* What are record-keeping requirements for Category 14-certified applicators?

Answer to those questions and more information along with a list of meetings can be found HERE.

Indiana’s new fertilizer rules

Beginning in February 2013, new rules regulating how manure and other fertilizers can be staged on farms and applied to fields will take effect in Indiana.

Matt Pearson, Fertilizer Administration in the Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC) says they’re in the process of informing those impacted by the new rules.

“Most people probably won’t see this as a big change,” said Pearson. “Some habits might have to be adjusted a little bit, but overall it’s all in good management practices and it should not be a significant change to most operations.”

In addition to how far from waterways and wells fertilizer can be applied and under what conditions, Pearson tells Brownfield the new requirements specify how long fertilizer can be staged.

“If it’s going to be commercial fertilizer, potash for example in the fall the time limit is 30 days, after three days it needs to be covered,” Pearson said. “If it’s manure, it’s 90 days and after three days it either needs to have a berm, have a gradient barrier or covered.”

Information on the new fertilizer rules is available at the Office of Indiana State Chemist web site.

Audio: Matt Pearson, Fertilizer Administrator, Office of Indiana State Chemist (5:15 mp3)