FAQ’s & Policies
Product Information & Usage
Which type of fertiliser is suitable for my plants/crops?
Fertiliser recommendations vary based on plant type, soil, and growth stage. For example, nitrogen supports leaf growth, while phosphorus aids root and flower development. Following product recommendations is advised and a soil test can also assist with determining the type of fertiliser required.
How often should fertilisers be applied?
The application frequency depends on the fertiliser, plant type, and growth stage, with more nutrients needed during active growth. Follow the instructions on this site or on the product label for guidance.
What is the difference between liquid and solid fertilisers?
Liquid fertilisers allow for precise application and are easier to handle. Solid, often granular, fertilisers are easy to spread and can contain multiple nutrients
For more information, please reach out to one of the team at technical@angus-horticulture.co.uk
Safety, Storage & Environmental Impact
How should I store fertilisers safely?
Store fertilisers in a secure, covered location that is well ventilated and protected from the effects of the weather. Where appropriate, use pallets to keep fertiliser products off the ground and practice good housekeeping to prevent spills and contamination.
What safety precautions should I take when handling fertilisers?
We recommend wearing protective equipment, such as eye protection and gloves, and washing hands after use as standard. Different precautions are required for different products and the specific advice given on product safety data sheets should be followed.
What are the environmental impacts of fertiliser use?
Incorrect or inappropriate use of fertilisers can, for example, lead to water pollution. Using the correct application rate and type of fertiliser helps to minimise the environmental impact.
Why have I been asked for ID to purchase fertiliser?
Some fertiliser products have tighter security regulations surrounding their purchase, and UK statutory legislation states that we must verify the legitimacy of customers of these products. The applicable legislation is the Control of Poisons and Explosives Precursors Regulations 2023.
Is your fertiliser safe for children and pets?
Keep children and pets off the lawn during application and until the granules dissolve. Once the granules have dissolved, it is safe to let children and pets back on the lawn. For liquid products, children and pets should stay off the lawn until the product has been washed in, by rain or watering. Fertiliser products should be kept out of reach of children and animals.
If you are a commercial operator, please see https://www.hse.gov.uk/index.htm for further guidance and regarding the storage of fertiliser products.
Policies – FIAS
We are members of the Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme (FIAS), which assures supply chain security and traceability of products from sourcing to delivery to the end-user. To maintain our FIAS certification, we are audited annually against a robust standard developed in conjunction with government and industry stakeholders. Our FIAS certification can provide confidence that we have a high operating standards across the supply chain.
Key benefits for customers include:
Assured Product Quality and Safety: FIAS ensures the fertiliser product meets legislative safety requirements and quality standards. This reduces the risk of incidents related to product handling or storage.
Enhanced Security: The scheme implements strict security measures to prevent unauthorised access and ensure the product is only sold to legitimate commercial businesses. This helps prevent the misuse of high-nitrogen fertilisers for illegal activities.
Full Traceability: A FIAS-certified supplier can trace products from the original source (manufacturer/importer) through all stages of the supply chain to the end user. This is crucial for accountability and enables quick action in the event of a product recall or security concern.
Compliance with Regulations: By using a FIAS-certified supplier, customers can be confident that all relevant legislation is being met
Our FIAS certification means that if we wish to sell fertiliser to a non-FIAS certified merchant customer for onward sale, we must first conduct an initial audit of that customer’s systems and processes to ensure they meet the relevant security, safety, and traceability standards.
Audit Scope: This initial audit must cover all aspects of the relevant FIAS standard as it applies to the customer’s operations. For storage, this must include an inspection of the facilities.
Certification Body Review: The findings of this audit are submitted in a written report to the FIAS Certification Body which then authorizes the use of that non-certified merchant customer.
Annual Audits: Following initial authorisation, annual audits and inspections of these non-certified merchant customers are required to maintain compliance.
Traceability and Security: Merchants must have effective management controls to ensure that fertiliser is only sold to legitimate agricultural businesses. This involves having robust systems for record-keeping and reporting suspicious activity.