New fertilizer rules to take effect in Indiana in 2013

New fertilizer rules are in effect for farmers and fertilizer dealers regulating how manure and other fertilizers can be staged on farms and applied to fields.

These rules are designed to keep fertilizers out of waterways and wells. They take effect on February 16, 2013.

This gives farmers, dealers and applicators one year to comply with the new rules.

The Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC) has posted the rules on its website . It will inform licensed fertilizer dealers and private and commercial applicators of the rules by mail.

Matt Pearson, administrator of the office’s fertilizer section, said it is possible some fertilizer dealers and applicators may not know about the rules by the time they take effect. He said the office will take this into consideration.

The OISC will also keep environmental groups informed of how the rules are being implemented.

The requirements specify how fertilizer can be safely stored on farms until its use, called staging, and how far from waterways and well it can be applied and under what conditions, such as weather. Pearson said they complement Indiana Department of Environmental Management regulations.