Have you heard the fertiliser description and labelling code of practice (CoP) has been updated to include new technologies like nitrogen inhibitors?

Program manager at Fertiliser Australia Jeff Kraak, said the changes were introduced to account for technologies which are increasingly being adopted in Australia.

“We’ve recently seen some exciting developments in the fertiliser industry with the adoption of technologies like nitrogen inhibitors in fertiliser products,” he explains. 

These technologies may improve the efficiency of fertilisers by slowing down the conversion of different forms of nitrogen in the soil, which can reduce nutrient losses.

“It’s important end users understand how to use fertilisers safely and effectively,” he says.

“Fertiliser labels contain vital information to help agronomists and growers make informed fertiliser use decisions for optimal crop yield and quality while caring for the environment and food safety.”

What’s changed?

• Nitrogen inhibitor treated fertilisers – sometimes referred to as nitrogen stabilisers – are now recognised in the CoP.
• The CoP now uses the terms ‘product data sheet’ and ‘labels’ interchangeably to reflect industry terminology.
• If physical labels\product datasheets do not contain all compulsory information, additional information can now be published electronically on manufacturer\reseller websites. If something’s missing from a label, be sure to head to the website of the manufacturer\reseller.
• Some of the prescriptive requirements of physical labels have now been removed.

Mr Kraak said unfortunately, not all fertiliser product labels meet the fertiliser description and labelling code of practice.

“We strongly encourage resellers to make themselves familiar with the Code to ensure products comply,” he said.

Some recent examples of labels not complying with the code of practice include:

• The form and concentration of nutrients contained in the product is not shown.
• Products classified as dangerous goods, do not have labelling and documentation to comply with the Australian dangerous goods code and global harmonisation system requirements.
• Contaminants not shown on the label and appropriate warnings missing.

Fertiliser Australia strongly encourages resellers to only purchase products complying with the updated CoP.

If products do not comply, labelling issues must be rectified before end user sale.

For example, resellers can add additional label stickers to the product packaging with missing information.

“Agronomists and farmers use fertiliser labels to determine the best product to meet their needs and make decisions about the 4Rs: right source or product, right rate, right place or application method and right timing.

That’s why it’s important fertiliser labels are descriptive and include all relevant information, such as the plant nutrients contained in a fertiliser, the form of the nutrient and its concentration,” Mr Kraak said.

This helps to optimise crop yields while caring for the environment and keeping our people and food safe.

The updated fertiliser description and labelling code of practice can be found on the Fertiliser Australia website, fertiliser.org.au.