Green Ideas Issue #2

It seems that every time I turn around I'm seeing or reading about another county ordinance outlawing the use of high nitrogen & phosphorous fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. A recent model ordinance that would ban the use or sale of fertilizers with nitrogen from June 1 through Sept. 30 - the summer rainy season - was approved this month by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program's policy and management board. The group, which looks out for the health of Tampa Bay, now wants local cities and counties to pass the rule to reduce pollution in the bay.

The model ordinance also prohibits putting down fertilizers within 10 feet of ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, ditches or any other waterway. The rule would allow code enforcement officers to cite residents and issue fines of up to $500 for violations.

Sarasota county and the town of Bonita Springs in Florida have already established these type rulings. There are many counties, cities and towns instituting these ordinances nationwide and the Northeastern states seem to be leading the pack. In fact, this movement is reminiscent of how the special interest groups in the Northeast initiated the "No Smoking" campaign at indoor establishments. This policy is now prevalent nationwide.

Supporters of the fertilizer bans say that during the rainy season most of the nitrogen in the fertilizers washes from lawns and landscaping into lakes, streams, rivers and, ultimately, Tampa Bay. That promotes algae blooms, which suck oxygen from the water, making it unhealthy for fish, birds, sea grass and other wildlife.

Interesting Fact: The EPA estimates that only 35 percent of lawn / plant fertilizers ever reach the roots for use; the remainder is volatized into the air or seeps into groundwater. Some Fertilizer Answers:

1. Use high energy, immediately available liquid foliar fertilizers. These products contain fish, seaweed, micro-nutrients, molasses and important soil biologicals such as bacteria and fungi. This will help to replace the lost biologicals in the soil, feed the biological, break down existing debris for use to roots, balance the elemental minerals, increase organic matter and more.

2. Use compost at least twice per year. This will dramatically increase your organic matter. Every percent increase in organic matter (OM) will hold 1 inch of more rain thus reducing water need.

3. Micro-nutrients help to balance the soil. A good "Balance" allows all the needed minerals to be available to the roots.

Some Pest Answers:

- Make sure that you actually need pesticides. Verify that pests are the root of your problem and that they are not simply covering up a deeper issue. By fixing the underlying issue, you will reduce the possibility of future pest problems. Pests and weeds love an unhealthy environment. When the environment becomes healthy they disappear.

- Allow some pests in your yard. Not all bugs are bad and nature may even rid itself of the bad ones before you need to take action.

- If a particular plant is consistently plagued by pests, replace it with a more pest-resistant one.

- A diversified garden with a variety of plants will ensure the protection of the rest of your plot should pests attack.

These issues and solutions are well know to some but will eventually become important to all. Through some great teachers and years of experience I have luckily become one of those fortunate folks. I have even set up my brother and wife with an organic lawn care company using just our products with great success. The interest is overwhelming but more importantly the action and responsibility that those homeowners and growers are taking is inspiring.

Dave MacLean