Fertilizers
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Fertilizers are used to improve plant and soil health by contributing mineral nutrients to environments where they are lacking. However, most lawns already have adequate amounts of nutrients.
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Testing your soil is easy and will provide information to determine whether your soil needs any supplements. Unnecessary use of fertilizers and pesticides contributes to water pollution when these chemicals wash into our storm drains, ditch systems, and streams.
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When you fertilize without needing to, you actually help things grow in the lake instead of in your lawn or garden.
Photo courtesy Alabama A&M University.
Test your soil to understand if your lawn needs fertilizer or if it already has sufficient nutrients.
When applying fertilizers, follow these simple steps to minimize the impacts on water quality:
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Test your soils. Check out our soil testing video and workbook, Evaluating Soil Suitability, for detailed instruction.
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Read the label. Always follow the instruction label to ensure proper allocation. Over-fertilization does not help your plants and increases nitrogen and phosphorous levels in local streams.
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Properly store materials. Store them in a covered area and off the ground to prevent contact with water.
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Only apply products to the areas intended. Avoid applying products in areas that directly convey stormwater (like ditches or storm drains) and sweep excess granular products off of walkways and driveways.​
Did you know?
Did you know?
There are many different lawn alternatives and groundcover options that require minimal to no watering, no mowing, no fertilizers or chemicals, and stay greener longer!