The following summary outlines the standard label requirements for Specialty Fertilizer Products:
A person may not sell or distribute specialty fertilizers in bags or other containers unless a label is placed on or affixed to the bag or container stating in a clear, legible, and conspicuous form providing the following information:
(Note: If a specialty fertilizer is a custom blend product, the label information may be furnished to the customer on an invoice or delivery ticket in written or printed form (18C.215 & Minnesota Rules, 1510.0410 to 1510.0422).
Both the MDA and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) have roles in regulating land application of biosolids (PDF | MPCA) and industrial byproducts (PDF | MPCA). MPCA performs all the permitting and site approval (when applicable) for land application of these materials. The MDA registers products comprised of these materials to be sold in the state of Minnesota. These processes are separate, and both may be required for products sold in Minnesota to be compliant with state laws.
Land application of biosolids (MPCA) is a common practice in Minnesota. Biosolids are a nutrient-rich component of municipal wastewater treatment commonly used as a soil amendment. During wastewater treatment liquids are separated from solids. The solids portion of wastewater treatment are then further biologically or chemically treated to produce a semisolid known as biosolids. When biosolids are applied to the land at appropriate rates, they provide a nutrient addition and improved soil structure.
An industrial byproduct (MPCA), also known as an IBP, is a byproduct of an industrial, commercial, mining, or agricultural operation. IBPs from food, beverage, and agricultural operations such as vegetable, dairy, and meat processing wastes typically contain nutrients that make them good candidates for land application.
If you have any questions on product registration, you may contact: Fertilizer.Registration.MDA@state.mn.us
Labels Must Include the Following
- The Brand Name of the fertilizer.
- The fertilizer Grade, which is the percentage of Total Nitrogen (N), Available Phosphate (P2O5) and Soluble Potash (K2O) and expressed in the same percentage, order and form as in the guaranteed analysis statement. For example: 10-10-10.
- The Guaranteed Analysis statement in the following format:
Nutrient Percentage Total Nitrogen (N) % Ammoniacal Nitrogen % Urea Nitrogen % Water Insoluble Nitrogen % (Other recognized and determinable forms of N)
Note: The forms of N, when listed, must add up to the
Total Nitrogen (N) guarantee *% Available Phosphate (P2O5) % Soluble Potash (K2O) %
When other plant nutrients in addition to Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P2O5) or Potash (K2O) are guaranteed, they must be listed in columnar form immediately below the primary nutrient guarantees and be in the order and minimum percentages listed below:
| Primary nutrient | Minimum percentage |
|---|---|
|
Soluble Potash (K2O) |
_____% |
|
Calcium (Ca) |
1.00 % |
|
Magnesium (Mg) |
0.50 % |
|
Sulfur (S) |
1.00 % |
|
Combined Sulfur (S) |
|
|
Free Sulfur (S) |
|
|
Boron (B) |
0.02 % |
|
Chlorine (Cl) |
0.10 % |
|
Cobalt (Co) |
0.0005% |
|
Copper (Cu) |
0.05 % |
|
Iron (Fe) |
0.10 % |
|
Manganese (Mn) |
0.05 % |
|
Molybdenum (Mo) |
0.0005% |
|
Sodium (Na) |
0.10 % |
|
Zinc (Zn) |
0.05 % |
| Plan nutrient derived from |
If the percentage of any plant nutrient is zero, the plant nutrient must be omitted from the guaranteed analysis statement.
* The nitrogen breakdown statement is only required when slow release or organic nitrogen properties are claimed or guaranteed.
- A Derivative Statement must be placed immediately below the guaranteed analysis statement. Sources of plant nutrients shall be listed by their common or usual English name for the ingredient. But In addition, non-plant food materials used to blend a fertilizer may not be listed in the derivative statement. This includes but is not limited to lime fillers.
- The Name and Address of the Guarantor.
- A Net Weight statement expressed in ounces, pounds, or tons avoirdupois.
- A Directions for Use Statement must be listed on all specialty fertilizer product labels. This may be expressed as the amount (lbs) of fertilizer recommended to be applied per unit area (1,000 sq. ft.) or the area the entire contents of the container will cover.
These specifications represent the minimum information that must be placed on a specialty fertilizer product label. If additional information is provided on the label, further labeling requirements may be enforced. Therefore, you should consult with us for a label review prior to final printing. In addition, we recommend that you review Minnesota Rules, 1510.0410 to 1510.0422 on the Fertilizer Labeling before printing a label.
