The Code sets out an overall process for the management of all deliberately applied nutrients but places special emphasis on the use of manufactured fertiliser products in primary production systems including arable, pastoral, horticultural and forestry production. The Code has been designed to help users comply with the acts and regulations that affect nutrient management activities in primary production.

For the purposes of this Code, fertiliser is considered to be any manufactured product that is specifically produced to be applied to land to increase plant or animal performance, whether by increasing plant growth or overcoming nutrient deficiencies or imbalances. This means the Code covers products used to provide major nutrients (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur and potassium) plus products used to supply trace elements of importance to plants or animals (such as copper, boron, cobalt and selenium).

It is important to recognise that the application of manufactured fertiliser is not the sole source of nutrients added to New Zealand soils. This Code encourages all land managers (including farmers, growers and foresters) to understand the role of fertiliser in balancing overall nutrient inputs and outputs in their production system to achieve their production and profit objectives while managing effects on the environment.