Mich. Comp. Laws § 324.8512b — MI Code / Chapter 324 / Act Act-451-of-1994 / Section 324.8512b
Fertilizer containing phosphate; application to turf; requirements.
Status: in_force

Sec. 8512b.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), (3), (4), or (5), a person shall not apply to turf a fertilizer labeled as containing the plant nutrient available phosphate (P 2 O 5 ).

(2) If a tissue, soil, or other test performed within the preceding 3 years by a laboratory experienced in conducting tests for phosphorus that adhere to recognized national standards indicates that the level of available phosphate (P 2 O 5 ) in the soil is deficient to support healthy turf grass growth or establishment, a person may apply fertilizer to the turf at an application rate for available phosphate not exceeding that necessary to correct the deficiency.

(3) If new turf is being established using seed or sod, it is the first growing season for the turf grass at the site, and a test described in subsection (2) has not been performed, a person may apply fertilizer to the turf at an application rate for available phosphate (P 2 O 5 ) not exceeding the standard rate for new turf grass establishment, which shall be specified by the director after consultation with the Michigan state university extension.

(4) A person may apply biosolids, a natural fertilizer, or a manipulated manure to turf at a rate of not more than 0.25 pounds of phosphorus per 1,000 square feet at any 1 time.

(5) In addition, a person may apply fertilizer labeled as containing the plant nutrient available phosphate (P 2 O 5 ) to a golf course if 1 or more of the following apply:

(a) The golf course has been certified by an organization as a result of the golf course's staff having successfully completed a training program approved by the director. The director shall approve a training program if it is a continuing program, adequately addresses best management practices for use of turf fertilizer containing available phosphate, and requires trainees to demonstrate successful implementation of those best management practices.

(b) If a tissue, soil, or other test performed within the preceding 3 years by a laboratory experienced in conducting tests for phosphorus that adhere to recognized national standards indicates that the level of available phosphate in the soil is deficient to support healthy golf course turf grass growth or establishment, the golf course may apply fertilizer at an application rate for available phosphate not exceeding that necessary to correct the deficiency.

(c) If new turf is being established using seed or sod, it is the first growing season for the turf grass at the site, and a test described in subdivision (b) has not been performed, a golf course may apply fertilizer to the turf at an application rate for available phosphate (P 2 O 5 ) not exceeding the rate necessary for new golf course turf grass establishment.

(6) A person shall not apply fertilizer to turf within 15 feet of any surface water, unless 1 or more of the following apply:

(a) A continuous natural vegetative buffer at least 10 feet wide separates the turf from the surface water.

(b) A spreader guard, deflector shield, or drop spreader is used when applying the fertilizer, and the fertilizer is not applied within 3 feet of the surface water.

(7) A person shall not clean a fertilizer spreader that is used to apply fertilizer to turf in a manner that allows wash water from the spreader to discharge directly into waters of this state, including, but not limited to, a drain under the drain code of 1956, 1956 PA 40, MCL 280.1 to 280.630.

(8) The department shall post information concerning the requirements of subsections (1) to (5) on its website and publicize the availability of that information by whatever means the department determines to be appropriate.

History: Add. 2010, Act 299, Imd. Eff. Dec. 16, 2010; Am. 2013, Act 151, Imd. Eff. Nov. 5, 2013