7102-R4_LSLA_2020_SummerNewsletter_Web

Don’t “P” on Your Lawn at the Lake? Fertilizers and Fertilizer Ingredients The two main nutrients in lawn fertilizers are “P” phosphorus and (N) nitrogen. Plants in your yard and lawn grass rely mostly on nitrogen to promote growth. Phosphorus is usually needed in only small amounts. However, in a lake eco-system, the opposite is true, weeds and algae mostly need phosphorus and need very little nitrogen. The problem is that much of the unused phosphorus from fertilizers added to your lawn washes into the lake, and stimulates excessive algae and weed growth. Fertilizer numbers on the bag are expressed as: 1 st Nitrogen (N) / 2 nd Phosphorus (P) / 3 rd Potassium (K) The nutrient phosphorus harms clear, free water by creating algal blooms. This process, known as eutrophication, turns the water green, clouds the water, causes odor problems, and depletes the oxygen for fish and other species, effectively suffocating them. Maine Law Rather than ban the sale of lawn fertilizer containing phosphorus as some other states have done, Maine has chosen to empower retailers and educate consumers by requiring stores that sell fertilizer to post signs explaining when it is appropriate to use fertilizers with phosphorus. The law (38 MRSA 419) states: “A person may not sell fertilizer containing phosphorus at a retail store after January 1, 2008 unless the seller posts a Department of Environmental Protection approved sign that indicates the product is not appropriate for use on non-agricultural lawn or turf due to potential adverse effects on water quality except when: 1. Soil test results from a laboratory indicate that additional phosphorus is needed for lawn or turf; or 2. The fertilizer will be used in establishing a new lawn or turf, including establishing turf at a sod farm, or for re-seeding or over-seeding existing lawn or turf.” How can I get a soils test done? You want the middle number to be 0 Effects on of Phosphorus on your Lake

Get your soil test kit at stores that sell fertilizer or, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Offices ,

Soil & Water Conservation Districts and University of Maine Soil Testing Service .

IF EVERYONE WOULD STOP “P”ing ON THEIR LAWNS AROUND THE LAKE, THE RESULTS WOULD BE REMARKABLE IT ALL BEGINS WITH YOU AT YOUR OWN LAWN Thank you for giving it your consideration and taking action!

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