This chapter explains the requirements and training applicable to persons who apply nutrients to land that is not used for agricultural purposes. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated. Terms Defined. “Applicator” means a person who applies any type of nutrient, as defined by this chapter, to any crop, plant, or land intended to be planted. “Department” means the Maryland Department of Agriculture or its designee. “Direct supervision” means the act or process whereby a fertilizer application is made by a trained employee acting under the instructions and control of a certified professional fertilizer applicator who: Is responsible for the actions of that person; and Maintains immediate contact with the trained employee via radio or mobile phone (voice) communication. “Enhanced efficiency fertilizer” means a fertilizer product that increases plant uptake and decreases the potential of nutrient loss to the environment, including gaseous loss, leaching, or runoff, when compared to an appropriate reference fertilizer product. “Fertilizer” or “commercial fertilizer” means a substance containing a recognized plant nutrient used for its plant nutrient content and designed for use, or claimed to have value, in promoting plant growth, except unmanipulated animal and vegetable manure, marl, lime, wood ashes, and gypsum. “Impervious surface” means any structure, surface, or improvement that reduces or prevents absorption of stormwater into land, and includes concrete, asphalt, porous paving, paver blocks, gravel, crushed stone, decks, patios, elevated structures, and other similar structures, surfaces, or improvements. “Label” means the display of all written, printed, or graphic matter on the immediate container or a statement accompanying a commercial fertilizer or soil conditioner. “Land not used for agricultural purposes” means a parcel of land that does not qualify for agricultural use assessment under Tax-Property Article, §8-209, Annotated Code of Maryland. “Lawn patch product” means a premixed blend of grass seed, fertilizer, and mulch. “Licensee” means an entity that holds a business license that is issued by the Department, in accordance with this chapter. “Low phosphorous fertilizer” means fertilizer: Containing not more than 5 percent of available phosphate (P2O5); and That has an application rate not to exceed 0.25 pound of available phosphate (P2O5)/1000 square feet/ application and 0.5 pound of available phosphate (P2O5)/1000 square feet/year. “Management unit” means an area of land similar soil types, having similar use and management history, and having similar fertility levels as determined by valid soil tests, and will be managed the same in the future. Natural Organic Fertilizer. “Natural organic fertilizer” means a fertilizer product that is derived from either a plant or animal product containing carbon, and one or more elements, other than hydrogen or oxygen that are essential for plant growth. “Natural organic fertilizer” does not include a fertilizer product that contains: Synthetic materials; or Materials that are changed in any physical or chemical manner from their initial state, except by physical manipulation, including drying, cooking, chopping, grinding, shredding, or pelleting. “Non-professional” means any person who applies fertilizer to turf and is not for-hire. “Nutrient” means a fertilizer or any substance used to promote plant growth. “Nutrient content" means the percentage of any primary nutrient, as total nitrogen (N), available phosphate (P2O5), or soluble potash (K2O), in any type or source of plant nutrients. Organic Fertilizer. “Organic fertilizer” means a fertilizer product that is derived from either a plant or animal product containing carbon and one or more elements, other than hydrogen or oxygen, that are essential for plant growth. “Organic fertilizer includes a fertilizer product that contains: Synthetic materials; or Materials that are changed in a physical or chemical manner from their initial state. “Person” means the State, any county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision of the State, or any of their units, or an individual, receiver, trustee, guardian, executor, administrator, fiduciary, or representative of any kind, or any partnership, firm, association, public or private corporation, or any other entity, unless otherwise provided. “Professional fertilizer applicator” means any person who: Is certified to apply fertilizer in accordance with this chapter; and Applies fertilizer for hire or within the scope of that person’s employment. “Slow-release nitrogen” means nitrogen in a form that: Delays it’s availability for plant uptake and use after application; or Extends its availability to the plant significantly longer than a reference “rapidly available nutrient” such as ammonium nitrate or urea, ammonium phosphate, or potassium chloride. Soil Conditioner. “Soil conditioner” means any substance or mixture of substances intended for sale, offered for sale, or sold for: Manurial, soil enriching, or soil corrective purposes; Promoting or stimulating the growth of plants; Increasing the productivity of plants; Improving the quality of crops; or Producing any chemical or physical change in the soil, except a commercial fertilizer, unmanipulated animal and vegetable manures, agricultural liming material, and gypsum. “Soil conditioner” includes but is not limited to materials such as compost, peat, vermiculite, or perlite that are incorporated into the soil. “Soil test” means a technical analysis of soil conducted by a laboratory using standards recommended by the University of Maryland. “Trained employee” means a person who applies fertilizer under the direct supervision of a certified professional fertilizer applicator. “Turf” means land, including residential property and publicly owned land that is planted in grass, except land that is used in the sale and production of sod, as defined in Agriculture Article, §9-101, Annotated Code of Maryland. “Water-soluble nitrogen” means nitrogen that is readily soluble in water. A person who is paid to apply fertilizer to turf not used for agricultural purposes may not apply fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus to turf unless that person is a certified professional fertilizer applicator, or working under the direct supervision of a professional fertilizer applicator. A person, other than a certified professional fertilizer applicator, a trained employee, or a person who merely markets services for a certified professional fertilizer applicator, may not offer to provide turf fertilization services for compensation. Each business location, agency, golf course, or other location shall employ a certified professional fertilizer applicator when an employee is paid to fertilize. The Department, in consultation with the University of Maryland, shall establish a program to train and certify professional fertilizer applicators. This program shall include training and education in: The proper use and calibration of fertilizer application equipment; The hazards involved in, and the environmental impact of, applying fertilizer, including nutrient pollution to the waters of the State; All applicable State and federal laws, rules, and regulations; The correct interpretation of fertilizer labeling information; and The recommendations developed by the University of Maryland for nutrient management on turf, including the appropriate time to: Apply fertilizer when rain is forecast; and Apply fertilizer when soils are wet and the potential for fertilizer movement off-site exists. Certification. Each applicant for a professional fertilizer applicator certificate shall register with the Department, on a form approved by the Department. Certification Requirements. Each applicant for a professional fertilizer applicator certificate shall; Pay a fee of $100; and Pass an examination given by the Department. Recertification. A certification shall be renewed annually by: Applying to the Department; Annually attending 2 hours of continuing education course or courses approved by the Department, or by reexamination; Paying the recertification fee of $100; and Complying with all other requirements of this chapter. Duration and Renewal. A professional fertilizer applicator certificate is valid beginning January 1, or whenever obtained, until the following December 31. For a certificate due to expire on June 30, 2022, the new expiration date is December 31, 2022. If an application for renewal of a professional fertilizer applicator certificate is received by the Department more than 30 days after the expiration date of the certificate, the applicant is subject to a $30 late fee. An individual who has not renewed the certificate within 12 months of its expiration shall be required by the Department to retake the examination. Each applicant for certification shall pass a written examination given by the Department. Each applicant shall register with the Department at least 1 month before the scheduled examination date. The Department shall give the examination at least once a year. There is a $10 fee for each reexamination. The Department shall publish and maintain a list of all certified professional fertilizer applicators on its website. Each location that employs a person who is paid to fertilize turf shall have a license as provided under §B of this regulation. An applicant for license or renewal of a business license shall: Apply to the Department on a departmental form; Designate an employee who is a certified professional fertilizer applicator; and Pay a $50 fee. Vehicle Identification Requirement. If the business provides turf fertilization services for hire, the business license number, preceded by the letters “MDA,” shall appear on any service vehicle used on a job site. Duration and Renewal. A license is valid beginning January 1, or whenever obtained, until the following December 31. For a license due to expire on June 30, 2022, the new expiration date is December 31, 2022. If an application for renewal of a business license is received by the Department more than 30 days after the expiration date of the license, the applicant is subject to a $30 late fee. Renewals may be issued to licensees provided they have a record of compliance with the requirements of this chapter and continue to employ at least one certified professional fertilizer applicator. Each licensee shall immediately notify the Department in writing if there is a change in business ownership, name, address, phone number, or certified professional fertilizer applicator. The licensee shall annually register with the Department each person who applies fertilizer for hire under the direct supervision of a certified professional applicator. There is a $15 fee for each employee registered. Each trained employee shall receive initial and annual training in fertilizer application as determined by the Department. Each employer shall document the time and dates of required training. Training shall be completed before the employee is registered with the Department. The Department shall issue a registration card to each trained employee. Trained employees shall carry their registration card at all times when fertilizing turf, and shall show the registration card at the request of the Department. Upon termination, the trained employee shall return the identification card to the employer. Registration is valid from January 1, or whenever registered, until the following December 31. For a registration due to expire on June 30, 2022, the new expiration date is December 31, 2022. If an application for renewal of a registration of a trained employee is received by the Department more than 30 days after the expiration date of the registration, the applicant is subject to a $30 late fee. The employer shall notify the Department immediately after the termination of a trained employee, and shall return the registration card to the Department within 15 days. Upon request, the Department may approve the training program of any outside agency, educational institution, or company. A professional fertilizer applicator or trained employee may not: Apply fertilizer intended for use on turf to an impervious surface; or Apply fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus to turf: At any time when the ground is frozen; 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; or In an amount that is inconsistent with the annual recommended rate established by the University of Maryland (Maryland Nutrient Management Manual I-E1, COMAR 15.20.07.02). A professional fertilizer applicator or trained employee may not apply enhanced efficiency fertilizer to turf: At a rate exceeding 2.5 pounds per 1,000 square feet of nitrogen per year; Before March 1 or after November 15 of any calendar year; 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, COMAR 15.20.07.02); and Having a release rate in excess of 0.7 pounds per 1000 square feet of nitrogen per month. Except as specified for enhanced efficiency fertilizer, neither a professional fertilizer applicator, nor a trained employee may apply fertilizer to turf: At an application rate of more than 0.7 pounds per 1000 square feet of water-soluble nitrogen; and At an application rate of more than 0.9 pounds per 1,000 square feet of total nitrogen. Except as provided for in §C(2) of this regulation: A professional fertilizer applicator or trained employee shall apply nitrogen or phosphorus to turf only from March 1 through November 15 of any calendar year; and From November 16 through December 1, a professional fertilizer applicator or a trained employee may apply up to 0.5 pounds per 1,000 square feet of water-soluble nitrogen. Except as provided for in §B of this regulation, a professional fertilizer applicator or trained employee shall obtain a soil test prior to any initial application of P2O5 and prior to any second application of nitrogen to a management unit. A soil test is not required if: The nutrient application is made for the purpose of establishing turf on bare ground; and The nutrient 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): The land has been disturbed such as by construction or tillage; or A lawn patch product is used. If a soil test, that is not more than 3 years old, exists for the property, it shall be used to determine the appropriate P2O5 application. Section B of this regulation does not authorize a professional fertilizer applicator or a trained employee to apply fertilizer containing phosphorus to turf when over seeding without basing the application on the results of a soil test. Any subsequent fertilizer applications to the same management unit shall be based on the results of a soil test. Soil tests are valid for 3 years. The soil test shall be obtained from a laboratory which uses a method that is approved by the University of Maryland for use in Maryland. Soil tests shall be associated with individual properties or management units. The University of Maryland shall identify laboratories that follow the soil testing methods and procedures recommended for use in Maryland. Professional fertilizer applicators must convert the soil test value for phosphorus to the equivalent University of Maryland Fertility Index Value to determine the appropriate University of Maryland Extension recommendation for P2O5 (Maryland Nutrient Management Manual II-B, COMAR 15.20.07.02). Neither a professional fertilizer applicator, nor a trained employee may apply an organic or natural organic fertilizer containing phosphorus to turf unless; A soil test taken not more than 3 years before the application indicates a low or medium level of phosphorus as determined by the equivalent University of Maryland FIV; The fertilizer 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); and The fertilizer is a low phosphorus fertilizer. Neither a professional fertilizer applicator, nor a trained employee may apply a fertilizer, which is not an organic or natural organic fertilizer, containing phosphorus to turf unless either: 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 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: The land has been disturbed such as by construction or tillage; or A lawn patch product is used. In determining the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer that may be applied, professional fertilizer applicators shall account for the amount of nutrients known to have been applied in any compost, effluent or other organic nutrient sources, or soil conditioners as specified by the Department, and make necessary adjustments to comply with the annual University of Maryland Extension recommendations (Maryland Nutrient Management Manual I-E1 and I-E2, COMAR 15.20.07.02. The records required by this regulation shall be kept in a form approved by the Department. Each licensee shall maintain for 3 years records of each fertilizer, or non-fertilizer nutrient application. The following information shall be recorded, when applicable: Name of applicator; Date of application; Size of the area; Address of the property; Fertilizer analysis; Rate of fertilizer application; Total amount of fertilizer used; and An original or legible copy of the label of the fertilizer used. The records required under this section shall be made available for inspection at the Department’s request. Each licensee shall submit an annual report to the Department on a form designated by the Department. This report shall be submitted by March 1 of each calendar year and information provided will summarize fertilizer applications in the previous calendar year. Failure to submit this report by March 1 may result in the suspension of a business license or professional fertilizer applicator certificate. The Department may impose a civil penalty on a person who violates any provision of Regulations .02—.14 of this chapter. The Department may impose a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for a first violation, and a civil penalty of not more than $2,000 for each subsequent violation. Each day a violation occurs under this section is a separate violation. The total penalties imposed on a person for violations of this section that result from the same set of facts and circumstances may not exceed $10,000. In assessing a civil penalty imposed under this regulation, the Department shall give consideration to: The willfulness of the violation, the extent to which the existence of the violation was known to the violator, but uncorrected by the violator, and the extent to which the violator exercised reasonable care; Any actual harm to human health or to the environment, including injury to, or impairment of, the use of the waters of this State or the natural resources of this State; The cost of control; The nature and degree of injury to, or interference with, general welfare, health, and property; The extent to which the location of the violation, including location near areas of human population, creates the potential for harm to the environment or to human health and safety; and The extent to which the current violation is part of a recurrent pattern of the same or similar type of violation committed by the violator. A person aggrieved by any decision of the Department over the assessment of a civil penalty imposed under this chapter may appeal under Agriculture Article, §2-405, Annotated Code of Maryland. Unless a stay has been granted, a person against whom a civil penalty has been imposed under this regulation shall promptly pay the penalty to the Department. A non-professional fertilizer applicator may not; Apply fertilizer intended for use on turf to an impervious surface; Apply fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus to turf: At any time when the ground is frozen; Before March 1 or after November 15 of any calendar year; or 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. A non-professional fertilizer applicator may not apply enhanced efficiency fertilizer to turf: At a rate exceeding 2.5 pounds per 1,000 square feet of nitrogen per year; 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); That has a release rate in excess of 0.7 pounds per 1,000 square feet per month of nitrogen; or Before March 1 or after November 15 of any calendar year. Except as specified in §B of this regulation, for enhanced efficiency fertilizer, a non-professional fertilizer applicator may not apply fertilizer to turf: At an application rate of more than 0.7 pounds per 1,000 square feet of water-soluble nitrogen; At an application rate of more than 0.9 pounds per 1,000 square feet of total nitrogen; That contains less than 20 percent slow-release nitrogen; or 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). Phosphorus Restrictions. A non-professional fertilizer applicator may not apply a fertilizer containing phosphorus to turf unless either: 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 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: The land has been disturbed such as by construction or tillage; or A lawn patch product is used. Counties, municipalities, or other political subdivisions of the State may enforce this regulation. Educational institutions and researchers may apply to the Department for an exemption to these regulations for research, education, and demonstration purposes. Agriculture Article, §§8-801—8-806, Annotated Code of Maryland Effective date: Regulations .04 and .06 under new Chapter, Fertilizer Application Requirements for Land Not Used for Agricultural Purposes, adopted effective May 13, 2013 (40:9 Md. R. 789) Regulations .01—.03 adopted effective October 28, 2013 (40:21 Md. R. 1780) Regulations .05 adopted effective October 28, 2013 (40:21 Md. R. 1780) Regulations .05D amended effective May 16, 2022 (49:10 Md. R. 562) Regulations .07 adopted effective October 28, 2013 (40:21 Md. R. 1780) Regulations .07D amended effective May 16, 2022 (49:10 Md. R. 562) Regulations .08 adopted effective October 28, 2013 (40:21 Md. R. 1780) Regulations .08F amended effective May 16, 2022 (49:10 Md. R. 562) Regulations 09—.17 adopted effective October 28, 2013 (40:21 Md. R. 1780)