June Conservation Challenge - Don't Fertilize!

While fertilizers may be beneficial to some plants, they are not healthy for the rest of the environment. Many of the “quick-release” fertilizers have been known to lead to oxygen loss in waterways due to runoff.

High amounts of nitrogen can find their way into waterways causing an excess of algae and a resulting loss of oxygen in the water. This can have a negative effect on fish and other wildlife.

Some fertilizers are made from the residuals of wastewater treatment facilities or recycled from other areas that cause them to test positive for toxic waste. According to the federation of Public Interest Research Groups (PIRG), 29 popular fertilizers tested positive for 22 toxic heavy metals, including silver, nickel, selenium, thallium and vanadium. All of these metals are linked directly to human health hazards.

• Use compost (grasscycle) to reduce garden waste and reuse available nutrients.

• Apply sparingly (no more than 1 lb. of N/1,000 sf./year).

• Use P-free or low-P fertilizers.

• Use slow-release, organic fertilizers.

• Limit application on areas where the potential for water contamination is high (e.g. sandy soils, steep slopes, compacted soils).

• Never apply fertilizers when the ground is frozen or when there is a likelihood of rain.

• Don’t over water lawns as this washes nutrients out of soil.