NEWSLETTER ARTICLES

Strawberries, Soils and Water

IMPLEMENTING HEAVY METAL REGULATION IN FERTILIZERS IS CONCERNING CALIFORNIANS

California and various states are in the process of looking at regulations to limit heavy metal concentrations in fertilizers. Concern also exists with heavy metals in biosolids.

The risk-based concentration (RBCs) of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) is of most concern.

Canada has standards expressed in annual load limits compared to California's RBCs. Washington and Texas have specific regulations governing the content of heavy metals in fertilizers. The Washington State standard for metals is based on the maximum acceptable annual metal additions to the soil. They are expressed in pounds per acre per year.

The fertilizer and agricultural industries are concerned that state-by-state regulations will be implemented, which will greatly complicate and confuse the marketing of fertilizers. Regulations should be based on good scientific evidence and not on public opinions.

Industry input needs to be directed to the regulation process because it is not possible to predict what to expect in terms of specific future legislations.