Maine’s New Fertilizer Law Cuts Back on Phosphorus
AUGUSTA, Maine, April 7, 2008 (ENS) – As surely as April showers bring May flowers, the lawn and garden care season is coming. This year, a new Maine law discouraging the use of lawn fertilizer that contains the nutrient phosphorus must be taken into consideration when planning yard care. Legislators passed the measure in an effort to keep state lakes and streams healthy. Effective January 1, the law is meant to discourage the use of lawn fertilizer containing phosphorus where it is not needed.
“Most lawns don’t need phosphorus,” says Laura Wilson of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. “Over 90 percent of lawns tested in the past five years would not have become greener with additional phosphorus.”
New research shows that a healthy lawn can be achieved with fewer lawn chemicals. If a lawn is 10 or more years old, grass clippings, a natural fertilizer for the budget minded, provide enough nutrients in the soil to grow a healthy lawn, so additional fertilizer is not needed. Younger lawns may need some nitrogen, but phosphorus is not needed.
“If a lawn doesn’t need fertilizer and phosphorus in particular, don’t apply any,” says Wilson. “Homeowners can save time and money – and help protect local waters.”
Just as fertilizers can help plants grow in yards, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection cautions that fertilizers also can help plants grow in lakes, streams, and bays.
Rainwater and melting snow wash fertilizers and other pollutants from lawns down driveways, from road ditches into storm drains or directly into nearby waters.
Excess nutrients from fertilizers, particularly phosphorus, can turn waters green, lead to smelly scums, and rob the water of its oxygen, potentially causing fish kills.
Stores may still sell lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus, providing they post a sign stating these restrictions on its use – only use phosphorus when starting a new lawn, overseeding, reseeding or when a soil test from a laboratory indicates that phosphorus is necessary.
The law requiring the posting of signs about lawn fertilizers is designed to encourage the consumer to make the best choice. There are no actual prohibitions on the sale of particular fertilizers.
People fertilizing their gardens – shrubs, flowers and vegetables – can still use fertilizer containing phosphorus.
The amount of phosphorus in a particular fertilizer is indicated by the three numbers on the package label. These numbers indicate the percent of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash, in that order. Look for packages where the middle number is zero, such as 10-0-5, for phosphorous-free fertilizer, Wilson advises.
She says it is best to test soil before adding any fertilizer. Soil test kits are available at stores that sell fertilizer, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Offices, Soil & Water Conservation Districts, or by calling the state soil lab at 207-581-3591.
View This Story On Eco–mmunity Map.
