What must agricultural fertilizer applicator certificate holders maintain?

• A. State-required records for every application of fertilizer
• B. Internal company records only
• C. No records are required
• D. ODA-required records for every application of fertilizer

Answer: (D)

Maintaining records is a regulatory requirement that ensures you can prove what was done with fertilizer and when. For agricultural fertilizer applicator certificate holders in Ohio, the records you keep must meet the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s standards and apply to every fertilizer application. This isn’t just internal documentation; it’s documentation that officials can review to verify compliance with rules on timing, products, and application practices.

Keeping these records for every application creates a clear, auditable trail. Typical details you’d expect to record include when and where the fertilizer was applied, what product was used, the rate and total amount applied, the crop or field involved, and who performed the application. This level of documentation supports environmental protections (like safeguarding water quality) and helps resolve any questions or inspections that arise about how fertilizer was used.