A Guide for Farmers to Avoid Pitfalls When Purchasing Organic Fertilizers

Look Closely: Distinguish Authenticity by Packaging and Appearance
First, pay close attention to the product packaging. For legitimate, certified organic fertilizers, the packaging information must be complete and standardized—this is the first step in distinguishing genuine products from counterfeits. Be sure to check whether the packaging displays a fertilizer registration number, as this is the legal proof required for the product to be sold on the market. Any product without a registration number is considered substandard and counterfeit, and should be immediately ruled out.
At the same time, verify the applicable standard number. Currently, legitimate organic fertilizers on the market are primarily divided into three categories, each corresponding to a specific standard. Be highly vigilant if a product does not fall within these categories: the standard for agricultural microbial inoculants is GB20287-2006, the standard for bio-organic fertilizers is NY884-2012, and the standard for compound microbial fertilizers is NY/T 798-2015. In addition, the packaging must clearly indicate the manufacturer, address, production date, shelf life, nutrient content, and other relevant information. Do not trust any product missing any of these details.
Next, examine the fertilizer’s appearance. High-quality, fully fermented and decomposed organic fertilizer is typically grayish-brown or dark black in color, with a natural sheen that is not glaring. Its texture is loose and powdery or consists of fine granules, feeling soft and light to the touch. In contrast, counterfeit organic fertilizers are often made by mixing in soil or silt. They tend to have a glossy, blackish color that is overly dull, with a high density that feels heavy. When picked up, they easily clump together and do not scatter easily, clearly differing from the loose texture of genuine organic fertilizer.