FERTILIZER USE
Some folks like to have the nicest looking lawn in their neighborhood, but it’s important to be sure that fertilizer is applied sparingly and caringly. And it should stay on your lawn and not get into the storm sewer system where it affects our streams and lakes. Excess amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus can cause blooms of algae in our lakes and rivers.
Fertilizer Tips and Tricks
Did you know that most lawns in Ohio already have enough nutrients without fertilizers? A simple soil test will often show pH level, nutrient content, and the overall health of your soil to eliminate any guesswork on what your lawn or garden needs. If you do need to fertilize your lawn and garden, be sure to only use what you need. When your soil already has enough nutrients, it won't absorb the additional fertilizer, which can wash into our waterways when it rains.
Here are a few tips for fertilizing with water in mind:
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Don't guess, just test! Testing your soil gives you a better idea on if you even need any fertilizers.
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Use the right amount of fertilizer. Your soil can only hold so many nutrients before they just wash away.
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Do not apply fertilizers right before it rains. You will watch your investment flow right to the storm drains.
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Use a broom to sweep any excess or spilled fertilizer off the sidewalk and back onto your lawn. Do not use a hose.
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Use a no- or low- phosphorus fertilizer and select a slow-release fertilizer where at least half of the nitrogen is water insoluble.
More on Soil Testing
Soil tests can be purchased at your local lawncare store or online and are easy to perform at home. Most of these kits are similar to a water test kit for your pool or aquarium. They take about five minutes of work, followed by anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours to settle and display results. Often times, you only need to test your soil every 2-3 years unless you are starting a new garden or have plants that are struggling.
Algae Overgrowth
Some algal growth is natural and is part of the food chain, but overgrowth can block sunlight through the water and can form mats of algae that clog water inlets. Certain types of algae release toxins that are harmful to people. As algae decay, they use up oxygen in the water that fish, frogs, and other wildlife need.
Eco-Wise Lawn Maintenance
There are ways to keep a lawn green and healthy that are low cost and ecologically sound. When you mow, leave the grass at least 3 inches tall, and leave the clippings on the lawn. Grass clippings will quickly break down and enrich the soil. You can also make your own organic fertilizer in a home compost bin. Kitchen waste like vegetable peels and eggshells, combined with leaves and grass clippings will create a rich compost that will keep a lawn or garden healthy and growing.