MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Maintaining a lush, green lawn is a point of pride for many homeowners in Marion County. However, the pursuit of a beautiful landscape can come with unintended environmental consequences.
Dangers of Improper Fertilizer Use
Fertilizers are designed to enrich soil and promote healthy plant growth by supplying essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. While beneficial to lawns, these nutrients can become environmental hazards when they enter aquatic systems.
“Excessive phosphorus in freshwater leads to algal blooms, some of which produce toxins. This can cause habitat loss or excessive growth of aquatic plants, which can result in muck buildup and flooding issues,” said Trevor Knight, Marion County Water Resources Liaison.
Knight says when fertilizers are not applied correctly, they can wash off into waterways or leach into the groundwater, leading to elevated nitrate levels in drinking water. He says this poses health risks, particularly for infants.
“Nutrient leaching into groundwater also impacts our freshwater springs and the organisms that rely on those springs to survive,” said Knight.
Did you know Marion County has a fertilizer ordinance?
To mitigate these risks, Marion County has implemented a fertilizer ordinance outlining specific regulations for how fertilizer can be applied to landscapes. Knight says the measures aim to prevent nutrient runoff into waterways and protect local water resources from contamination.
The regulations include the following:
- Nitrogen Limits: No more than 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet at any one time, with annual limits varying by grass type.
- 3 pounds/year for Bahia and St. Augustine
- 4 pounds/year for Bermudagrass and Zoysia
- 2 pounds/year for Centipede
- Phosphorus Limits: No more than ½ pound per 1,000 square feet per year.
- Application Restrictions: Fertilizer cannot be applied to or washed off impervious surfaces, such as driveways and sidewalks. In no circumstance can fertilizer be washed, swept, or blown off impervious surfaces into storm drains, ditches, conveyances, or waterbodies.
- Buffer Zones: Fertilizer application is prohibited within:
- 75 feet of environmentally sensitive water bodies including Silver Springs, Silver Run, Rainbow Springs or the Rainbow River
- 100 feet of sinkholes
- 15 feet of the top bank of a drainage retention area, canal, wetland or other waterbody
Common Fertilization Mistakes
Knight says homeowners make several common mistakes that contribute to water contamination.
“The most common mistake made is not getting a soil test conducted prior to selecting a fertilizer,” said Knight. “Without getting a soil test, it is difficult to know what nutrients your soil is lacking.”
Soil testing can be done by any County Extension Office for a small fee.
Knight says over-fertilizing is another frequent error. He recommends always applying the lowest amount of fertilizer needed and apply no more than twice per year for turfgrass. Knight says you should select slow-release fertilizers that are low in phosphorus.
The third common mistake is applying fertilizer right before a rain event. Knight says this results in most of the fertilizer being washed away, wasting money and harming the environment.
Knight says it’s important to carefully follow the instructions on fertilizer packaging, including application rates and watering guidelines.
Organic and Eco-friendly Alternatives
For homeowners who want to explore organic options like compost or worm castings as alternatives to chemical fertilizers, Knight says homeowners should not be fooled into thinking they aren’t potentially harmful to water. He says any fertilizer method introduces nutrients to the environment.
“The same regulations for chemical fertilizers must be followed with organic fertilizers too, since runoff or leaching of organic fertilizers can also create nutrient problems for water resources,” stressed Knight.
Create a vegetated buffer zone around your property, especially if you live near water bodies can also be helpful. This can be a “no mow zone” or an area planted with trees and shrubs to filter nutrients before they reach waterways.
Investment in the Future
Knight says Marion County is committed to educating the public about safe fertilizing practices.
While it may take decades to see the full impact of improved fertilizing practices on groundwater and springs, Knight says data suggests that water resources in less developed areas, like the Ocala National Forest, are less impacted by excessive nutrient loading than those in more developed areas of the county.
By adopting responsible fertilizing practices, Knight says Marion County residents can enjoy beautiful lawns while safeguarding the health of the county’s water resources.
For more information on safe fertilizing practices and protecting water resources, visit the Marion County “Be Wise When You Fertilize” webpage.