S.L. 549.66 Art. 4Fertiliser plan.

(1) Any farmer responsible for agricultural activities taking place on a holding shall prepare a fertilizer plan, in respect of such holding for that particular year, which satisfies the following conditions:

(a) a fertilizer plan is valid if the crop plan is not altered for a maximum period of three (3) years, alterations to the crop must be considered and fertilizer plan updated accordingly throughout the three years;

(b) a soil test which is to be used as the basis for the calculation of the fertilizer plan must be performed every three (3) years;

(c) a fertiliser plan shall be compiled by a qualified technical advisor as may be approved by the Director who will also retain a public register of such persons which shall be published on an annual basis. Such approved qualified technical advisor shall:

(i) notify the Director by the end of each calender year his intention to provide such service the following year; and

(ii) submit a copy of any fertiliser plans prepared on behalf of farmers to the Director as may be directed from time to time;

(d) the fertiliser plan shall be kept at the holding and should be presented for inspection as necessary together with the relevant soil test and crop plan.

(2) The fertiliser plan required in terms of subregulation (1) shall determine the crop fertilisation requirement for each crop type on each production unit of the holding for that year and shall establish safe methods of land application of fertiliser.

(3) The fertiliser plan shall:

(a) indicate the area intended to be planted;

(b) indicate the type of crops to be planted and the month when such crop will be planted;

(c) calculate the optimum amount of nitrogen fertiliser required in relation to each crop on each production unit of the holding for that year, taking into account the crop’s nutrient requirements and the amount of nitrogen available from soil and water based on adequate soil and water analysis; and

(d) include a Schedule of Fertilisation indicating fertiliser types and quantities to be used.

(4) No fertiliser shall be applied to any crop in that year prior to the preparation of a complete fertiliser plan as required in terms of this regulation.

(5) Crop plan must be compiled irrespective if person applied fertilizer or not.