---
kind: "section"
citation: "7 U.S.C. § 6508"
title: "7"
title_heading: "Agriculture"
number: "6508"
heading: "Prohibited crop production practices and materials"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/7/6508"
units:
  - "Chapter 94 — Organic Certification"
---

# §6508. Prohibited crop production practices and materials

- (a) **Seed, seedlings and planting practices—** For a farm to be certified under this chapter, [producers](/usc/7/6502.md?p=19) on such farm shall not apply materials to, or engage in practices on, seeds or seedlings that are contrary to, or inconsistent with, the applicable organic certification program.
- (b) **Soil amendments—** For a farm to be certified under this chapter, [producers](/usc/7/6502.md?p=19) on such farm shall not—
  - (1) use any fertilizers containing [synthetic](/usc/7/6502.md?p=22) ingredients or any commercially blended fertilizers containing materials prohibited under this chapter or under the applicable [State organic certification program](/usc/7/6502.md?p=21); or
  - (2) use as a source of nitrogen: phosphorous, lime, potash, or any materials that are inconsistent with the applicable organic certification program.
- (c) **Crop management—** For a farm to be certified under this chapter, [producers](/usc/7/6502.md?p=19) on such farm shall not—
  - (1) use natural poisons such as arsenic or lead salts that have long-term effects and persist in the environment, as determined by the applicable [governing State official](/usc/7/6502.md?p=7) or the [Secretary](/usc/7/6502.md?p=20);
  - (2) use plastic mulches, unless such mulches are removed at the end of each growing or harvest season; or
  - (3) use transplants that are treated with any [synthetic](/usc/7/6502.md?p=22) or prohibited material.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXI, § 2109, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3940.)