1. Purpose
No (zero) phosphate fertilizer means any fertilizer intended for application to lawns and turf that has an available phosphoric acid grade of 0% up to and including 0.69% and available phosphoric acid (P2O5) guarantee not more than 0.69%, by weight.
The purpose of this document is to describe the labelling requirements and guaranteed nutrient tolerances for no (zero) and low phosphate fertilizers, intended for use on lawns and turf. This "no" and "low" phosphate policy ensures that:
- such products are accurately labelled and consumers, as well as other regulatory bodies (federal, provincial and municipal), can readily identify these products while in the marketplace; and
- labels contain directions deterring the use of no (zero) or low phosphate fertilizers on young or stressed lawn/turf (in the absence of a complete fertilization program, based on soil testing) in order to promote the establishment of healthy root systems and minimize nutrient losses from subsequent fertilizer applications.
2. Registration and general labelling requirements
A low phosphate fertilizer means any fertilizer intended for application to lawns and turf that has an available phosphoric acid (P2O5) grade and guarantee above 0.69% but not more than 3.3%, by weight.
For guidance on registration requirements (information and data requirements, safety data package, submission content and layout and associated fees), consult the Guide to Submitting Applications for Registration under the Fertilizers Act. Labelling requirements which also apply to phosphate fertilizers for lawn and turf are outlined in Trade Memorandum T-4-130 – Labelling requirements for fertilizers and supplements.
3. Requirements specific to fertilizers represented as no phosphate fertilizers for lawn and turf
3.1 Nutrient guarantee
To be represented as a no phosphate fertilizer or similar designation, a lawn or turf fertilizer must have less than or equal to 0.69% available phosphoric acid (P2O5) by weight, substantiated by analytical results. A lawn/turf fertilizer with an available phosphoric acid (P2O5) grade and guarantee of 0.70% or higher will not be permitted to use the designation of a "no phosphate fertilizer" on the product label.
Where a product's available phosphoric acid grade is zero, no entry for available phosphoric acid (P2O5) should appear in the guaranteed analysis section of the product's label.
3.2 Directions for use
No (zero) or low phosphate fertilizers do not provide the phosphate that new lawns or turf (less than 2 years old) require to support healthy growth and development. In the absence of a mature root system, nutrients that are subsequently applied are more prone to loss to the environment through erosion, run-off and leaching.
Directions for use on the product label of a no phosphate fertilizer must either include a statement such as "this product may not provide all nutrients required and should be used as part of a complete fertilization program, based on soil testing", or adhere to the following conditions:
- must only be used on established lawns and turf (greater than 2 years old), and when soil phosphorus concentrations are high
- must not be used on newly seeded lawns, or recently laid sod
- must not be used on lawns or turf subjected to diseases or environmental stresses.
4. Requirements specific to fertilizers represented as low phosphate fertilizers for lawn and turf
4.1 Nutrient guarantee
To be represented as a low phosphate fertilizer or similar designation, a lawn or turf fertilizer must have an available phosphoric acid (P2O5) grade and guarantee above 0.69%, but not in excess of 3.3%, by weight. A lawn/turf fertilizer with an available phosphoric acid (P2O5) grade and guarantee outside of this range will not be permitted to use the designation of a "low phosphate fertilizer" on the product label.
4.2 Directions for use
The directions for a single application of a low phosphate fertilizer product cannot exceed 0.125 kg available phosphoric acid (P2O5) per 100 m2and directions for annual rate of application of the product cannot exceed 0.250 kg available phosphoric acid (P2O5) per 100 m2.
Additionally, the directions for use must either include a statement such as "this product may not provide all nutrients required and should be used as part of a complete fertilization program, based on soil testing", or adhere to the following conditions:
- Must only be used on established lawns and turf (greater than 2 years old) and when soil phosphorus conditions are high
- Must not be used on newly seeded lawns or recently laid sod.
5. Contact information
Fertilizer Safety Section
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Phone: 1-855-212-7695
Email: cfia.paso-bpdpm.acia@inspection.gc.ca