What is fertilizer testing? Fertilizer testing requirements in Vietnam

What is fertilizer testing? Fertilizer testing requirements in Vietnam (Internet image)

1. What is fertilizer testing?

Fertilizer testing means the monitoring and evaluation of indicators to determine the mode of use, the environmental impact, the agronomic efficiency and the economic efficiency of each fertilizer product.

(Clause 15, Article 2 of Law on Crop Production 2018)

2. Fertilizer classification in Vietnam

Article 3 of Decree 84/2019/ND-CP stipulates fertilizer classification as follows:

- Develop crop production according to the value chain, connect it with market orientations, correspond to crop production development strategies, planning and proposals for use of land and other resources; create favorable conditions for the development of cooperation and cooperation in production and the establishment of areas for the concentrated commodity production, contract-based production and production obtaining quality certification; maintain food security; balance the interests of the State and those of organizations and individuals.

- Make effective, economical and sustainable use of natural resources and infrastructure facilities; use agricultural supplies in a safe and efficient manner.

- Comply with technical standards and regulations on land and water environmental quality and production processes; ensure food safety, biosafety, epidemic safety and environmental protection.

- Promote regional advantages, connect crop production activities with the conservation of specialty and indigenous cultivated crop varieties; protect sustainable crop cultivation systems, agricultural heritage, landscape and culture associated with eco-tourism and new rural development.

- Proactively forecast, prevent and control natural disasters and harmful organisms; make adaptations to climate change.

- Meet international integration requirements; comply with treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a contracting party.

3. Fertilizer testing requirements in Vietnam

Article 39 of the  Law on Crop Production 2018 stipulates the fertilizer testing requirements as follows:

- Fertilizers must be subject to testing before being recognized for circulation, except for the fertilizers stipulated in clause 2 of this Article.

- Fertilizers shall not be subject to testing, including:

+ Organic fertilizers used for fertilizing roots that are formulated by natural organic ingredients and meet quality indicators defined in national technical regulations;

+ Single fertilizers used for fertilizing roots that are formulated only by nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) or potassium (K) and meet quality indicators defined in national technical regulations;

+ Inorganic compound fertilizers used for fertilizing roots that are formulated only by such nutrient elements as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) joining together by chemical bonds, and meet quality indicators defined in national technical regulations;

+ Fertilizers recognized by competent regulatory authorities as technical advances.

- Fertilizers may be subject to both wide and narrow testing; the wide testing may be conducted only after completion of the narrow testing.

- Fertilizer testing carried out according to national standards shall be conducted by accredited testing organizations.

- Amount of fertilizer allowed to be produced or imported for testing shall be determined based on the dosage of administration for each plant and the actual testing area according to national standards regarding fertilizer testing.

4. Requirements for recognition of fertilizer testing organizations in Vietnam

Pursuant to Article 40 of the  Law on Crop Production 2018 stipulates that the fertilizer testing organization must conform to the following requirements:

- Persons directly in charge of testing must hold a university or higher degree in one of the following specialties: crop production, plant protection, agro-chemical, pedology, soil science, agronomy, chemistry, biology and must have certificates of completion of training in fertilizer testing under the instructions given by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

- Having the adequate number of testing personnel, except persons directly in charge of testing, who must hold a university or higher degree in one of the specialties specified in point a of clause 1 of this Article and must complete training in fertilizer testing under the instructions given by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development;

- Having adequate facilities and equipment conforming to national standards regarding fertilizer testing.

Ngoc Nhi

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