The impact phosphorus – a common component of lawn fertilizer – has on the environment is drawing a lot of attention as summer approaches. Phosphorus from fertilizer can leach into lakes and streams, contributing to excessive algae and water plant growth that harms fish and impedes recreational use of these waters.

Urban areas have many sources of phosphorus: including lawn fertilizer, leaves, other organic yard waste and pet droppings. Regulators have targeted lawn fertilizers as a primary source of interest. However, any source of excessive phosphorus will cause problems in lakes and rivers.

Phosphorus is essential to sustain life. It plays a key role in how living creatures use energy from food to power growth and reproduce. Limiting phosphorus limits growth and reproduction. Eliminating phosphorus from the environment eliminates life.

Not all sources of fertilizer phosphorus are the same. The water extractable phosphorus test, or WEP test, is a new way to show how easily phosphorus in a particular fertilizer moves into groundwater. A low WEP means that phosphorus will stay out of groundwater. A high WEP means that movement is likely. Phosphorus in groundwater may move to surface water and cause excessive water plant growth.

Synthetic fertilizers, the traditional kind used to manufacture common lawn fertilizer, contain more than 85 percent water extractable phosphorus. If these fertilizers are ove- applied, some of this phosphorus may enter groundwater and move to bodies of water.

Fertilizers such as Milorganite 5-2-0 contains less than 2 percent water extractable phosphorus, making them better choices for the environment. This phosphorus is far less likely to move into groundwater. Research also shows this phosphorus is still available for plants to use.

“Milorganite 5-2-0 fertilizer should be the fertilizer choice for homeowners and regulators concerned about phosphorus movement to lakes and streams,” says Mike Archer of Milorganite. “Our research shows that Milorganite fertilizers consistently are better stewards of the environment.”

Milorganite fertilizers contain high amounts of iron. This iron combines with phosphorus, holding it away from soil water until plants can use it. Thus, lawns still have an adequate supply of phosphorus to grow and repair themselves from damage by mowing and playing. However, this phosphorus does not move to groundwater. “Milorganite 5-2-0 fertilizer not only adds non-staining iron to help keep lawns green, but it uses this iron to keep phosphorus out of lakes and streams,” Archer says.

Other sources of phosphorus also contribute in polluting surface waters. Leaves and grass clippings contain phosphorus. Keep them out of curbs and from washing into storm sewers. Recycle their nutrients and organic matter back to your plants by mulching them. If you are mowing near open water, point mower discharges to land.

When you spread any fertilizer, blow or sweep it off drives and walks back onto your lawn. When it rains, any fertilizer left on these hard surfaces washes into storm sewers then to bodies of water, causing pollution.

Finally, pick up pet droppings and place them in the trash. These droppings contain high amounts of phosphorus. Dropping them into storm sewers is like dropping fertilizer pellets onto open water.

Everyone can do something to protect the environment. Using eco-friendly fertilizers, taking care when disposing of lawn debris, and properly disposing of pet droppings are actions that help keep our lakes and rivers clean and clear for future generations.

For more information regarding eco-friendly fertilizer, visit www.milorganite.com or call (800) 304-6204.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: fertilizer, Milorganite, phosphorus, water extractable phosphorus test, WEP test

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