New NJ Law Requires Certified Professionals Apply Fertilizer

Last year, Gov. Chris Christie signed the . Additionally, the law demands that fertilizer be applied at specific times during the year.

These requirements are aimed at reducing pollution from nutrients in all of New Jersey’s waters. The law is directed towards decreasing the total amount of nitrogen in fertilizer and increasing the amount of slow-release nitrogen by 20 percent. 

Currently, no fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus is allowed to be placed on lawns until March 1. However, products which have lime, potassium, and compost are allowable. 

Another stipulation of the law is that, as of Jan. 5, 2012,  all lawn care professionals must be certified in order to apply fertilizer in the state of New Jersey. Rutgers University is offering a Professional Fertilizer Applicators Certification and Training (ProFACT) program. 

All professional fertilizer applicators are able to begin registering and accessing training information on Jan. 17 and the certification exam will be accessible no later than Jan. 30. 

To become a Certified Fertilizer Applicator it will cost $75 for the first year for training and testing or $25 annually for three years; to become a trained fertilizer applicator there is a $25 annual fee. 

The third phase of the law will go into effect on Jan. 5, 2013, when all fertilizer product for turf is required to contain a minimum of 20 percent slow-release nitrogen and zero phosphorus (except if a soil test demonstrates a need for more).

For an FAQ about the law, click here.