Subdivision 1.Definition.

For the purpose of this section, "turf" means noncrop land planted in closely mowed, managed grasses including, but not limited to, residential and commercial residential property, private golf courses, and property owned by federal, state, or local units of government, including parks, recreation areas, and public golf courses. Turf does not mean pasture, hayland, hay, turf grown on turf farms, or any other form of agricultural production.

Subdivision. 2.Phosphorus use restrictions.

(a) A person may not apply a fertilizer containing the plant nutrient phosphorus to turf statewide, except under conditions listed in paragraph (b).

(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply when:

(1) a tissue, soil, or other test by a laboratory or method approved by the commissioner and performed within the last three years indicates that the level of available phosphorus in the soil is insufficient to support healthy turf growth;

(2) the property owner or an agent of the property owner is first establishing turf via seed or sod procedures, and only during the first growing season; or

(3) the fertilizer containing the plant food phosphorus is used on a golf course under the direction of a person licensed, certified, or approved by an organization with an ongoing training program approved by the commissioner.

(c) Applications of phosphorous fertilizer authorized under paragraph (b) must not exceed rates recommended by the University of Minnesota and approved by the commissioner.

In accordance to Subdivision 2.3, golf course superintendents must participate in a biennial education opportunity provided by the University of Minnesota.  For the years 2015 and 2016, the study materials include the following PDF attachment which has been approved by the UMN:

P fate review.pdf

Upon complete review, please confirm your compliance by emailing jack@mgcsa.org with your name, organization and that you are attesting to completion of requirements in accordance to state law.  Your conformation of participation  will then be recorded.

For those who need to become certified for the very first time, the University of Minnesota is close to completing a four hour on-line version of the classroom phosphorous education program.  As soon as it becomes available the MGCSA membership will be notified.