HB11 Alabama 2021 Session

Under existing law, agricultural liming material sold in this state is required to be labeled with certain specified information including the minimum calcium carbonate equivalent

The label is not required to contain information on the relative neutralizing value of the liming material

This bill would define relative neutralizing value as a value based on the calculation of the calcium carbonate equivalent in relation to percent of lime passing through mesh screens and would require agricultural lime to be labeled with the relative neutralizing value of the lime

Relating to agricultural liming material; to amend Sections 2-23-2 and 2-23-4 of the Code of Alabama 1975, relating to the labeling of agricultural liming material sold or imported into this state; to define relative neutralizing value and to require agricultured liming material to be labeled with the relative neutralizing value.

Section 1

Sections 2-23-2 and 2-23-4 of the Code of Alabama 1975, are amended to read as follows:

§2-23-2.

The following terms, as used in this chapter and rules and regulations promulgated adopted under authority of this chapter, shall have the following meanings, respectively:

(1) AGRICULTURAL LIMING MATERIALS. Those products whose calcium and magnesium compounds are capable of neutralizing soil acidity

(18) (2) BOARD. The Board of Agriculture and Industries of the State of Alabama.

(10) (3) BRAND. The term, designation, trademark, product name or the specific designation under which an individual or type of agricultural liming material as defined in this section is offered for sale.

(15) (4) BULK. Nonpackaged form.

(5) BURNT LIME. A material made from limestone which consists essentially of calcium oxide or a combination of calcium and magnesium oxides.

(3) (6) CALCITIC LIMESTONE. A calcareous rock composed wholly or largely of calcium carbonate.

(12) (7) CALCIUM CARBONATE EQUIVALENT or CCE. The acid neutralizing capacity of an agricultural liming material expressed as weight percentage of calcium carbonate.

(7) (8) CHALK. A soft, friable, loosely consolidated material composed largely of calcium carbonate.

(17) (9) COMMISSIONER. The Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries of the State of Alabama.

(4) (10) DOLOMITIC LIMESTONE. A calcareous rock composed of calcium and magnesium carbonates with a minimum elemental magnesium (Mg) content of six percent.

(11) FINENESS. The percentage by weight of the material which will pass U.S. standard sieves of specified sizes.

(8) (12) GROUND SHELLS. A product obtained by the grinding of shells of mollusks and which shall carry the name of mollusk origin.

(6) (13) HYDRATED LIME. A material made from burnt lime which consists essentially of calcium hydroxide or a combination of calcium hydroxide with magnesium oxide and/or magnesium hydroxide.

(9) (14) INDUSTRIAL BY-PRODUCT USED AS LIMING MATERIALS. Any industrial by-product containing calcium or calcium and magnesium in forms that will neutralize acidity.

(16) (15) LABEL. Any written or printed matter on or attached to the package or delivery ticket which accompanies a bulk shipment.

(2) (16) LIMESTONE. A calcareous rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate or a combination of calcium and magnesium carbonates.

(14) (17) PERCENT or PERCENTAGE. By weight.

(19) (18) PERSON. Any individual, partnership, corporation, association or other legal entity, or organization.

(19) RELATIVE NEUTRALIZING VALUE or RNV. A calculation that uses calcium carbonate equivalent and fineness to represent the effectiveness of agricultural liming materials.

(13) (20) TON. Two thousand pounds avoirdupois.

§2-23-4.

(a) Agricultural liming materials sold or offered for sale in this state for use herein or sold for importation into this state for use herein shall have affixed to each container in a conspicuous manner on the outside thereof a clearly legible printed or stamped label, tag, or statement or, in the case of bulk sales, a delivery slip, setting forth at least all of the following information:

(1) The name and principal office of the manufacturer, processor or distributor;.

(2) The brand name of the material;.

(3) The identification of the product as to the type of agricultural liming material, as defined in subdivisions (2) through (9) of Section 2-23-2;.

(4) The minimum percent guaranteed by weight passing through U. S. standard sieves as prescribed by regulations of the board;.

(5) The minimum guaranteed calcium carbonate equivalent;.

(6) The minimum guaranteed content of elemental magnesium (Mg) if claimed;.

(7) The minimum guaranteed content of available potassium (K2O) and/or or phosphorus (P2O5), or both, if claimed;.

(8) The maximum water content; and.

(9) Net weight.

(10) The relative neutralizing value (RNV) as determined by the following formula:

RNV = CCE x (.5A + B), where A is the percent of lime passing through a 10-mesh screen, but not a 60-mesh screen, and B is the percent of lime passing through a 60-mesh screen.

(b) No information or statement shall appear on any package label, delivery slip, or advertising matter which is false or misleading to the purchaser as to the quality, analysis, type, or composition of any agricultural liming material."

Section 2

This act shall become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.