Plant Industry - Soil Additives Registrations and Renewals

Each soil additive distributed in North Carolina must be registered by the person whose name appears on the label. (See NC § 106-50.31. Registration of additives) 

"Soil additive" means any substance intended for changing the characteristics of soil or other growth medium for purposes of: 

• Increasing the biological population, or
• Increasing penetrability of water or air, or
• Increasing water holding capacity, or
• Increasing root development, or
• Alleviating or decreasing soil compaction, or
• Otherwise altering the soil or other medium in such manner that the physical and biological properties are materially enhanced.
• The term "soil additive" does not include any substance for which nutritional claims are made, such as, but not limited to, commercial fertilizers, liming materials, or unmanipulated vegetable or animal manures. It also specifically does not include rhizobial inoculants, pine bark, peat moss, other unfortified mulches, or pesticides.

 Registration

• Form SF05 - Soil Additive Registration Form must be completed per product.
• Registration Packet Includes:
  • Copy of the label(s). Clearly written and legible
    • Clearly list all ingredients or components contained in the product
    • Describe the product’s purpose, including what it is intended to accomplish or how it works
• Efficacy data supporting claims, based on North Carolina soils, crops, and environmental conditions
  • Provide data demonstrating that the product is safe for humans, animals, and the environment
  • Include supporting evidence that the product does not meet the regulatory definitions of a pesticide, fertilizer, or liming product
• Registration fee of $100 per calendar year for each product to NCDA&CS.

Labeling Requirements

Every soil additive container must be labeled on the face or display side in readable and conspicuous form showing: 

• Product name
• Guaranteed analysis, clearly labeled what is in the product
• Statement of claim or purpose, specifically what product supposed to accomplish/do
• Adequate directions for use
• Net weight or volume
• Name and address of registrant 

(See NC § 106-50.32. Labeling of containers.) 

An example label is linked below. This label is intended as a guideline and is not comprehensive.

Renewal

The NCDA&CS-Seed and Fertilizer Section will issue a renewal application for those products registered the previous year via email on or before December 31 of current year. 

Please note, all soil additive registrations expire on December 31 of each year. 

• Follow instructions on renewal cover letter

• Fee is $100 for each renewed product. Make checks out to NCDA&CS-Seed and Fertilizer Section