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APPLYING PHOSPHORUS TO LAWNS NOW ILLEGAL IN MINNESOTA
Fertilizers containing phosphorus can no longer be used on established lawns in the seven-county Twin Cities metro area. Prohibited counties are Anoka, Caver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington. The change is a result of the "Minnesota Phosphorus Lawn Fertilizer Law" that went into effect January 1, 2004.
Outside the seven-county metro area, lawn fertilizer use is limited to 3% phosphorus content.
Phosphurus is the middle number in the typical fertilizer analysis (formula) stated on every bag. If a fertilizer blend is 30-4-6, it means that a 100 lb. bag of 30-4-6 contains 30 lb. nitrogen, 4 lb. phosphorus (as P2O5) and 6 lb. potassium (as K2O). A "zero" in the middle of the N-P-K analysis means the fertilizer is phosphorus-free. For example, a fertilizer with 22-3-15 on the bag contains phosphorus; a bag labeled with 22-0-15, does not.
Lawn fertilizer containing phosphorus can still be used when establishing new lawns by seeding or laying sod, and when soil tests indicate a need for phosphorus fertilization. For soil testing information, contact the University of Minnesota Soil Test Lab at 612-625-3101 or consult the "Yard and Garden" section at www.extension.umn.edu.
The Minnesota Legislature took up the phosphorus issue because of the increasing evidence that runoff phosphorus contributes to deterioration of our lakes and streams. Phosphorus is the main nutrient associated with algal blooms in lakes. When land is converted from natural areas to developed urban areas, pavement and rooftops replace grass and trees. Water flows over driveways, streets and parking lots, taking with it everything that is in its path. This "runoff" is deposited, via storm sewers, into nearby lakes, creeks and rivers. This non-point source pollution can contain sediment, debris, fertilizers, pesticides, leaves, grass clippings, motor oil or pet waste. Small amounts of these materials entering a lake or river are not generally considered harmful. But when small amounts are multiplied by thousands or tens of thousands, they can cause serious water quality problems.
What are your options if you have leftover lawn fertilizer stored in your garage? The law suggests several alternatives for use or disposal of phosphorus lawn fertilizer.
For lawn fertilizers that contain phosphorus and herbicides for weed control or insecticides for insect control:
1. Use the fertilizer on lawns outside of the seven-county metro area where it is legal to do so. It is not advisable, however, to use phosphorus lawn fertilizers on areas near lakes.
2. Take leftover product to a county household hazardous waste collection site. Call your county government information phone number or visit your county government website for locations.
3. Do not use lawn fertilizers that contain pesticides on gardens or any other area that is not a lawn.
For lawn fertilizers that do not contain pesticides:
1. Use on vegetable and flower gardens. However, realize that unlike typical garden fertilizer, lawn fertilizer can be relatively high in nitrogen and low in phosphorus and potassium. Apply no more than 1.5 cups of lawn fertilizer to 100 sq. ft. (10' X 10') and plan to soil test after three years to ensure that plant nutrient needs are being met. An additional 1 cup of lawn fertilizer per 100 sq. ft. can be applied as a sidedress on sweet corn, vine crops, tomatoes, potatoes and cole crops 3-4 weeks after planting.
2. Use the fertilizer on lawns outside of the seven-county metro area where it is legal to do so. Remember that it is not advisable to use phosphorus lawn fertilizers on areas near lakes.
3. Place in trash.
For information on the Minnesota Phosphorus Lawn Fertilizer Law, visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's website at www.mda.state.mn.us/appd/ace/lawncwaterq.htm or call 651-296-6121.
The law restricts use of phosphorus lawn fertilizers on lawns, not its sale. Full details on the law are available at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's website: www.mda.state.mn.us/appd/ace/lawncwaterq.htm.
For information on lawn care, visit the University of Minnesota Extension Service's Yard and Garden Line at www.extension.umn.edu or call 612-624-4771.
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