7.11 Fertilizer Regulation and Use

The regulation of fertilizers must be based on sound scientific and agronomic principles. Just as soil, water and air are essential for growing food, so too are nutrients provided by fertilizers.

Nutrient Management Planning

Balanced nutrition, soil testing, nutrient use efficiency measures, and other tools are essential considerations for appropriate fertilizer use.  Therefore, NASDA supports:

  • The comprehensive use of Nutrient Management Planning (NMP) when using fertilizer products. 
  • The utilization of the 4R stewardship system will help choose the right nutrient source, at the right time, rate, and place.  This system of Best Management Practices (BMPs) matches fertilizer type to crop needs, and fertilizer amounts to crop needs, making nutrients available when crops need them, and keeping nutrients where crops can use them.  BMPs are designed to provide adequate nutrition for crops, while minimizing nutrient losses to the environment.
  • Policies that assure regional and farm-specific conditions are considered as farmers develop and implement Best Management Practices. This flexibility is critical in order for farmers to maximize the economic and environmental benefits of adopting BMPs.

Fertilizer Regulation

Appropriate fertilizer application can improve the quality of the environment.  However, the regulation of fertilizers must be consistent with—and based upon—sound scientific principles.  Because of the scientific expertise required, NASDA supports the following policies:

  • Fertilizers should not be regulated by political subdivisions below the level of the State.  
  • States should develop legislation that prohibits the regulation of fertilizers below the level of the State in order to insure that these materials are regulated based on sound scientific principles needed to protect the environment.