Which nutrients are primarily regulated under the Maryland Fertilizer Law?

The Maryland Fertilizer Law specifically targets the regulation of nitrogen and phosphorus due to their significant impact on water quality and ecological health. Excessive amounts of these nutrients can lead to issues such as algal blooms in rivers and streams, which can deplete oxygen levels and harm aquatic life. This regulation is crucial for protecting the Chesapeake Bay and other waterways within the state from nutrient pollution.

While potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, sodium, and iron are important for plant health and growth, they are not the primary focus of Maryland's fertilizer regulations. The law aims to manage the nutrients that pose the greatest risk of environmental harm, hence the emphasis on nitrogen and phosphorus as the regulated nutrients. Such regulation helps to promote responsible fertilizer use and reduce the potential for harmful runoff into water bodies.