Short answer for the US: yes, for specific uses. Lignin sulfonate is on the USDA National Organic Program list of synthetic substances allowed in organic crop production, as a chelating agent and dust suppressant. The farm’s certifier still has to approve the actual product. This page explains the listing, what it does and does not cover, the situation outside the US, and what to send a certifier.
- US NOP: 7 CFR 205.601(j)(4), “Lignin sulfonate—chelating agent, dust suppressant.”
- Scope: crop production, for those two functions.
- Approval: the certifier approves each product, not the substance in general.
- EU: check Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2021/1165.
The US National Organic Program Listing
The National List at 7 CFR 205.601 sets out synthetic substances allowed in organic crop production. Under paragraph (j), “as crop or soil amendments”, item (4) reads: lignin sulfonate, chelating agent, dust suppressant. The USDA AMS lignin sulfonate record documents past reviews, including an annotation change in 2012 and the removal of a separate listed use in 2017, so check the current text before relying on older summaries.
What the Listing Covers and What It Does Not
| Use | Covered by 205.601(j)(4)? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Chelating or complexing agent for micronutrients | Yes, named function | Product still needs certifier approval |
| Dust suppression on farm roads and yards | Yes, named function | Keep run-off away from water |
| Fertilizer granulation binder | Not named | Ask the certifier before use |
| Livestock feed binder | No: this is a crop-production listing | Feed rules are separate |
Outside the United States
In the EU, fertilisers and soil conditioners used in organic production must be listed in Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2021/1165. Other countries have their own standards. Do not assume a US listing carries over; ask the local certifier.
What to Send Your Certifier
- Product name, product code and manufacturer.
- Current TDS and SDS, and a COA for the lot you will use.
- A manufacturing-process statement (sulfite pulping, recovery, drying).
- A full ingredient statement, including any additives.
- The intended use: function, crop, application method and rate.
How to build the full input file and test the product in a formulation is covered in using calcium lignosulfonate in organic crop inputs.
Grade for Organic-Use Applications
| Parameter | CaLS Agri (GAC-CaLS-AGRI) |
|---|---|
| Lignosulphonate content | 60% min (dry basis) |
| pH | 4 – 7 |
| Water-insoluble matter | 0.2% max |
| Total Ca + Mg (as sulfate) | 5 – 6% |
| Dry matter | 95% min |
Typical values from the current TDS. Ask your certifier whether the specific product is approved.
Dust Suppression on Organic Farms
Dust suppression is one of the two functions named in the US listing. For farm roads, a dust-control grade is applied as a water solution; keep run-off away from water courses and fields where it is not wanted.
FAQ
Is calcium lignosulfonate allowed in organic farming?
In the US National Organic Program, lignin sulfonate is on the National List of synthetic substances allowed in organic crop production, at 7 CFR 205.601(j)(4), as a chelating agent and dust suppressant. The certifier must still approve the specific product.
Does the listing cover every use?
No. The US listing names two functions: chelating agent and dust suppressant. Other uses, such as a granulation binder, need a separate check with the certifier.
What about the EU?
EU organic production only allows fertilisers and soil conditioners listed in Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2021/1165. Check whether the input and its function are covered before use.
What does a certifier usually ask for?
The product name and code, TDS, SDS, a batch COA, a manufacturing-process statement, a full ingredient list and the intended use.
Is calcium lignosulfonate a fertilizer for organic farms?
It is listed in the US NOP for chelating and dust suppression, not as a fertilizer; the certifier must approve each product.
Which grade should be used?
The agricultural grade, with the certifier’s approval of the specific product and its documents.
Grades and Documents
This page summarises regulations for information; it is not a certification decision.
