1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises

3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality

Gardens

Jardines

Lawn & Garden Care: Fertilization

Césped y cuidado de jardines: fertilización

Nutrient Deficiencies (Landscape Plants)

Soil

Lawns and Turf

Your Florida Lawn

A new publication by University of Florida scientists on the efficacy of fertilizer ordinances provides an overview of a previously published study that found local fertilizer ordinances can improve water quality, but the timing of ordinances can influence their effectiveness. The results of this prior study suggest that more research is needed into how and [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_41909" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-41909" style="width: 503px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class=" wp-image-41909" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/01/024259-home-irrigation-system-UF-IFAS-Photo-by-Tyler-Jones-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="503" height="335" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-41909" class="wp-caption-text">Pop-up, in-ground sprinkler head at a residential irrigation system. Courtesy UF/IFAS Photography Tyler Jones.</figcaption></figure>
A new publication by University of Florida scientists on the efficacy of fertilizer ordinances provides an overview of a previously published study that found local fertilizer ordinances can improve water quality, but the timing of ordinances can influence their effectiveness.
The results of this prior study suggest that more research is needed into how and why different ordinances are more or less effective.
Scientists also agree that studies should consider other drivers impacting water quality trends such as toxins or waste from septic and sewage systems and fossil fuel emissions.
The just published <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/SS724">ASK IFAS document</a> synthesizes a 2022 published <a href="https://aslopubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lol2.10279">study</a> led by scientists at UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). Researchers investigated the long-term impacts of fertilizer ordinances across 160 lakes throughout Florida. The ASK IFAS document also provides additional takeaways on other studies that could help mitigate quality problems.
“This ASK IFAS document is written to summarize the prior scientific publication for non-experts, including UF/IFAS Extension faculty, local regulatory officials, green industry professionals, and concerned citizens,” said <a href="https://soils.ifas.ufl.edu/people/faculty/alexander-j-reisinger/">A.J. Reisinger</a>, an assistant professor in the <a href="https://soils.ifas.ufl.edu/">UF/IFAS department of soil, water and ecosystem sciences</a> and one of the authors of the study. We encourage the readers to use this information to highlight the effectiveness of fertilizer ordinances, but we also recognize the complex nature of water-quality issues.&#8221;
Nitrogen and phosphorus are nutrients that are natural parts of aquatic ecosystems, but these nutrients can degrade water quality when present in excessive amounts in bodies of water. To improve water quality, counties and municipalities sought to curb fertilizers from entering waterbodies by adopting fertilizer bans.
There are more than <a href="https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/fertilizer/">130 counties and municipalities with some form of a fertilizer ordinance on the books</a>. Summer fertilizer bans are the most common type of fertilizer ordinance in Florida. They align with the state’s rainy season with the intention to prevent fertilizer from washing away into water bodies when it rains.
A lack of research on the effects of fertilizer leaving landscapes during the rainy season provided an opportunity for scientists in the 2022 study to research a gap of knowledge by analyzing changes in water quality trends among four metrics and four parameters across 160 lakes. They compared water quality trends from 1987 to 2018 using data gathered by the <a href="https://lakewatch.ifas.ufl.edu/">UF/IFAS LAKEWATCH program</a>, one of the country’s largest ongoing community-led monitoring programs where water quality data is collected for various purposes.
<img decoding="async" class="wp-image-41907 alignright lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="464" height="311" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/01/urban-residential-lawn-Courtesy-UF-IFAS-Photo-300x201.jpg">
Scientists compared water quality trends before and after implementing county-wide fertilizer ordinances and across distinct categories of bans and timeframes. Those categories included summer bans – in which fertilization is prohibited from June through October during the rainy growing season &#8212; and winter bans from November through February, known as a dry, dormant period for vegetation, as well as nonseasonal bans, where restrictions banned after seeding or sodding, and finally the category where no ban was in existence.
Scientists learned that lakes in areas with winter fertilizer bans experienced the most improvement over time in levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, the main nutrients found in fertilizers.
The reasoning behind applying fertilizer when grasses are actively growing is in line with the third principle of <a href="https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/florida-friendly-landscapes/the-nine-principles.html">Florida-Friendly Landscaping&#x2122;: Fertilize Appropriately</a> and is supported by <a href="https://journals.ashs.org/horttech/view/journals/horttech/22/3/article-p280.xml">fertilizer best management practices</a>. Ordinances that prohibit fertilizer application during periods of low plant activity in the winter exhibited the most consistent improvements across all water quality metrics.
The authors of the ASK IFAS document also weigh in on other potential studies that could fill gaps in the 2022 study. Establishing the effectiveness of coupled fertilizer ordinances where a summer and winter restriction exists, analyzing a county-specific transition from a summer to winter ordinance to investigate whether ordinances during less-active growth periods are more effective statewide, and considering the potential effects of other landscaping practices on water quality are three among others mentioned.
“Although our 2022 study provided the first scientific data demonstrating the effectiveness of fertilizer ordinances, we also recognize that it has limitations,” said Reisinger. “In an ideal world, we would have long-term water-quality monitoring data from lakes spanning a broader geographic range, and we would be able to include a wider range of management changes to identify specific mechanisms responsible for these improvements in long-term water quality trends.”
Along with Reisinger, the ASK IFAS document was co-authored by faculty with a variety of expertise including urban and residential landscape, urban ecology, turfgrass and spatial analysis. Those authors, respectively, include <a href="https://clue.ifas.ufl.edu/faculty/dukes.html">Michael Dukes</a>, <a href="https://ffgs.ifas.ufl.edu/faculty/iannone-basil/">Basil Iannone</a>, <a href="https://wfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/directory/dr-j-bryan-unruh/">Bryan Unruh</a>, and Sam Smidt,
&nbsp;
[altmetric doi=&#8221;10.1002/lol2.10279&#8243; details=&#8221;right&#8221;]
###
By Lourdes Mederos <a href="mailto:rodriguezl@ufl.edu">rodriguezl@ufl.edu</a>
&nbsp;
ABOUT UF/IFAS 
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
<a href="http://www.ifas.ufl.edu">ifas.ufl.edu</a>  |  <a href="https://twitter.com/UF_IFAS">@UF_IFAS</a>
 
ABOUT THE UF/IFAS CENTER FOR LAND USE EFFICIENCY The UF/IFAS Center for Land Use Efficiency (CLUE) focuses on social, environmental, and economic issues affecting urban landscapes and agriculture in Florida. The center brings IFAS research and Extension faculty together with industry groups and decision makers to help conserve water, protect natural resources, and improve the lives of Florida residents.
<a href="https://clue.ifas.ufl.edu/">clue.ifas.ufl.edu</a>

Pop-up, in-ground sprinkler head at a residential irrigation system. Courtesy UF/IFAS Photography Tyler Jones.
A new publication by University of Florida scientists on the efficacy of fertilizer ordinances provides an overview of a previously published study that found local fertilizer ordinances can improve water quality, but the timing of ordinances can influence their effectiveness.
The results of this prior study suggest that more research is needed into how and why different ordinances are more or less effective.
Scientists also agree that studies should consider other drivers impacting water quality trends such as toxins or waste from septic and sewage systems and fossil fuel emissions.
The just published ASK IFAS document synthesizes a 2022 published study led by scientists at UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). Researchers investigated the long-term impacts of fertilizer ordinances across 160 lakes throughout Florida. The ASK IFAS document also provides additional takeaways on other studies that could help mitigate quality problems.
“This ASK IFAS document is written to summarize the prior scientific publication for non-experts, including UF/IFAS Extension faculty, local regulatory officials, green industry professionals, and concerned citizens,” said A.J. Reisinger, an assistant professor in the UF/IFAS department of soil, water and ecosystem sciences and one of the authors of the study. We encourage the readers to use this information to highlight the effectiveness of fertilizer ordinances, but we also recognize the complex nature of water-quality issues.”
Nitrogen and phosphorus are nutrients that are natural parts of aquatic ecosystems, but these nutrients can degrade water quality when present in excessive amounts in bodies of water. To improve water quality, counties and municipalities sought to curb fertilizers from entering waterbodies by adopting fertilizer bans.
There are more than 130 counties and municipalities with some form of a fertilizer ordinance on the books. Summer fertilizer bans are the most common type of fertilizer ordinance in Florida. They align with the state’s rainy season with the intention to prevent fertilizer from washing away into water bodies when it rains.
A lack of research on the effects of fertilizer leaving landscapes during the rainy season provided an opportunity for scientists in the 2022 study to research a gap of knowledge by analyzing changes in water quality trends among four metrics and four parameters across 160 lakes. They compared water quality trends from 1987 to 2018 using data gathered by the UF/IFAS LAKEWATCH program, one of the country’s largest ongoing community-led monitoring programs where water quality data is collected for various purposes.

Scientists compared water quality trends before and after implementing county-wide fertilizer ordinances and across distinct categories of bans and timeframes. Those categories included summer bans – in which fertilization is prohibited from June through October during the rainy growing season — and winter bans from November through February, known as a dry, dormant period for vegetation, as well as nonseasonal bans, where restrictions banned after seeding or sodding, and finally the category where no ban was in existence.
Scientists learned that lakes in areas with winter fertilizer bans experienced the most improvement over time in levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, the main nutrients found in fertilizers.
The reasoning behind applying fertilizer when grasses are actively growing is in line with the third principle of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™: Fertilize Appropriately and is supported by fertilizer best management practices. Ordinances that prohibit fertilizer application during periods of low plant activity in the winter exhibited the most consistent improvements across all water quality metrics.
The authors of the ASK IFAS document also weigh in on other potential studies that could fill gaps in the 2022 study. Establishing the effectiveness of coupled fertilizer ordinances where a summer and winter restriction exists, analyzing a county-specific transition from a summer to winter ordinance to investigate whether ordinances during less-active growth periods are more effective statewide, and considering the potential effects of other landscaping practices on water quality are three among others mentioned.
“Although our 2022 study provided the first scientific data demonstrating the effectiveness of fertilizer ordinances, we also recognize that it has limitations,” said Reisinger. “In an ideal world, we would have long-term water-quality monitoring data from lakes spanning a broader geographic range, and we would be able to include a wider range of management changes to identify specific mechanisms responsible for these improvements in long-term water quality trends.”
Along with Reisinger, the ASK IFAS document was co-authored by faculty with a variety of expertise including urban and residential landscape, urban ecology, turfgrass and spatial analysis. Those authors, respectively, include Michael Dukes, Basil Iannone, Bryan Unruh, and Sam Smidt,
 
[altmetric doi=”10.1002/lol2.10279″ details=”right”]
###
By Lourdes Mederos rodriguezl@ufl.edu
 
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
ifas.ufl.edu  |  @UF_IFAS
 
ABOUT THE UF/IFAS CENTER FOR LAND USE EFFICIENCY The UF/IFAS Center for Land Use Efficiency (CLUE) focuses on social, environmental, and economic issues affecting urban landscapes and agriculture in Florida. The center brings IFAS research and Extension faculty together with industry groups and decision makers to help conserve water, protect natural resources, and improve the lives of Florida residents.
clue.ifas.ufl.edu

A new publication by University of Florida scientists on the efficacy of fertilizer ordinances provides an overview of a previously published study that found local fertilizer ordinances can improve water quality, but the timing of ordinances can influence their effectiveness. The results of this prior study suggest that more research is needed into how and […]

How timing of fertilizer ordinances impacts water quality, UF/IFAS scientists explain

October marks the end of most fertilizer restrictions in the Tampa Bay area. Most “summer bans” restrict the application of nitrogen and phosphorous from June 1st through September 30 during the rainy season. During the summer ban other nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, manganese, and iron can be applied. These other nutrients help turfgrass with [&#8230;]

October marks the end of most fertilizer restrictions in the Tampa Bay area. Most “summer bans” restrict the application of nitrogen and phosphorous from June 1st through September 30 during the rainy season. During the summer ban other nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, manganese, and iron can be applied. These other nutrients help turfgrass with resilience against disease and other stress, but they are not a substitute for nitrogen.
Nitrogen is needed for photosynthesis which uses sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars. This process produces chlorophyll, which creates the green color in plants, and the biproduct oxygen. This is why your turfgrass may look a little pale after a nitrogen free summer.
Fall applications of fertilizer in central Florida should be completed by mid-November and no additional fertilizer applied until March of next year. During late fall and winter shorter daylight hours, reduced light intensity, lower temperatures, and less rainfall cause photosynthesis to dramatically slow. When photosynthesis slows the plant’s need for fertilizer and water are minimal.
But your turfgrass has been starving all summer making October and early November the ideal months to provide a good balanced meal before your turfgrass growth naturally slows.
Our warm season turfgrasses grow best at temperatures between 80-95° which typically occur between March and October. Growth slows and the need for fertilizer and water are minimal from October to March due to cooler nights and less sunlight. During this time nutrients are transferred from the shoots to the roots as stored energy for photosynthesis when spring brings warmer temperatures and longer days triggering growth. Since there is less sunlight for photosynthesis there is less need for water. Be sure to adjust your irrigation controller to provide irrigation only once every 10-14 days if there has been no rain. Also, make sure your irrigation rain shutoff device is working.
The following are lawn care recommendations for fall.
<ul>
<li>Utilize slow-release balanced fertilizer products with a 2:1 ratio of nitrogen (N) to potassium (K) and don’t use products with phosphorous unless a soil test indicates a deficiency. Example fertilizer analysis include: 16-0-8 or 24-0-11.</li>
<li>Potassium influences root growth, and water and stress tolerance. If your soil test shows a low potassium use a 1:1 ratio of N to K. Examples include: 15-0-15 and 18-0-18.</li>
<li>Use at least a 50% slow-release N fertilizer. This means that 50% of the N is released slowly over time (3-6 months depending on formulation) and 50% is quick release providing that quick green up.</li>
<li>Make the last annual fertilizer application by mid-November.</li>
<li>Make the first spring application in late March once the turf has begun to green up on its own.</li>
<li>Check your fertilizer label for irrigation requirement. Most granule fertilizers required a little irrigation after the application.</li>
<li>Apply no more than 1 pound of nitrogen at any one time and no more than 4 pounds of N over the growing season. Most turfgrass species do very well with much less N. To figure 1 pound of N divide 100 by the N analysis (the 1st number). This will give you the total pounds of that fertilizer to deliver 1 pound of nitrogen for each 1000 square feet of landscape. Example: For a 16-0-8 fertilizer, 100 divided by 16 = 6.25 pounds of 16-0-8 fertilizer per 1000 square feet to deliver 1 pound of nitrogen. If you have 2000 sq. ft. of lawn you need 12.5 pounds of 16-0-8 fertilizer. 3000 sq. ft. = 18.75 pounds.</li>
<li>Due to environmental conditions and/or improper care lawns may be susceptible to fall fungal disease such as <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/LH044">large patch</a>. Many diseases are promoted or made worse by too much water and high nitrogen fertilizers. For information on managing turfgrass disease click <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/LH040">here</a>.</li>
<li>If you have a history of winter weeds such as annual bluegrass, chickweed, henbit, lawn burweed or wild geranium you may need to apply a preemergent herbicide. A preemergent herbicide provides a chemical barrier in the soil that inhibits or kills weed seedlings when they come in contact. For more information on winter weed control refer to this <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/escambia/horticulture/Winter-Annual-Lawn-Weed-Control-Timeline.pdf">weed control timeline</a>.</li>
</ul>
Finally, know your local ordinance because in addition to the summer N and P ban, other year-round restrictions apply. There are restrictions regarding weather conditions, fertilizer free zones, and management of landscape debris. These restriction apply to all residents. In Hillsborough county there are penalties up to $500 and imprisonment up to 60 days for violations. Access the <a href="https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/sustainability-and-green/fertilizer-ordinance-and-regulation">Hillsborough County Fertilizer Ordinance and Regulation</a> webpage.
Visit the <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/professional-horticulture/">ProHort webpage</a>.
Contact Susan at (813)744-5519 Ext. 54103 or szcrmchz@ufl.edu

October marks the end of most fertilizer restrictions in the Tampa Bay area. Most “summer bans” restrict the application of nitrogen and phosphorous from June 1st through September 30 during the rainy season. During the summer ban other nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, manganese, and iron can be applied. These other nutrients help turfgrass with resilience against disease and other stress, but they are not a substitute for nitrogen.
Nitrogen is needed for photosynthesis which uses sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars. This process produces chlorophyll, which creates the green color in plants, and the biproduct oxygen. This is why your turfgrass may look a little pale after a nitrogen free summer.
Fall applications of fertilizer in central Florida should be completed by mid-November and no additional fertilizer applied until March of next year. During late fall and winter shorter daylight hours, reduced light intensity, lower temperatures, and less rainfall cause photosynthesis to dramatically slow. When photosynthesis slows the plant’s need for fertilizer and water are minimal.
But your turfgrass has been starving all summer making October and early November the ideal months to provide a good balanced meal before your turfgrass growth naturally slows.
Our warm season turfgrasses grow best at temperatures between 80-95° which typically occur between March and October. Growth slows and the need for fertilizer and water are minimal from October to March due to cooler nights and less sunlight. During this time nutrients are transferred from the shoots to the roots as stored energy for photosynthesis when spring brings warmer temperatures and longer days triggering growth. Since there is less sunlight for photosynthesis there is less need for water. Be sure to adjust your irrigation controller to provide irrigation only once every 10-14 days if there has been no rain. Also, make sure your irrigation rain shutoff device is working.
The following are lawn care recommendations for fall.
Utilize slow-release balanced fertilizer products with a 2:1 ratio of nitrogen (N) to potassium (K) and don’t use products with phosphorous unless a soil test indicates a deficiency. Example fertilizer analysis include: 16-0-8 or 24-0-11.
Potassium influences root growth, and water and stress tolerance. If your soil test shows a low potassium use a 1:1 ratio of N to K. Examples include: 15-0-15 and 18-0-18.
Use at least a 50% slow-release N fertilizer. This means that 50% of the N is released slowly over time (3-6 months depending on formulation) and 50% is quick release providing that quick green up.
Make the last annual fertilizer application by mid-November.
Make the first spring application in late March once the turf has begun to green up on its own.
Check your fertilizer label for irrigation requirement. Most granule fertilizers required a little irrigation after the application.
Apply no more than 1 pound of nitrogen at any one time and no more than 4 pounds of N over the growing season. Most turfgrass species do very well with much less N. To figure 1 pound of N divide 100 by the N analysis (the 1st number). This will give you the total pounds of that fertilizer to deliver 1 pound of nitrogen for each 1000 square feet of landscape. Example: For a 16-0-8 fertilizer, 100 divided by 16 = 6.25 pounds of 16-0-8 fertilizer per 1000 square feet to deliver 1 pound of nitrogen. If you have 2000 sq. ft. of lawn you need 12.5 pounds of 16-0-8 fertilizer. 3000 sq. ft. = 18.75 pounds.
Due to environmental conditions and/or improper care lawns may be susceptible to fall fungal disease such as large patch. Many diseases are promoted or made worse by too much water and high nitrogen fertilizers. For information on managing turfgrass disease click here.
If you have a history of winter weeds such as annual bluegrass, chickweed, henbit, lawn burweed or wild geranium you may need to apply a preemergent herbicide. A preemergent herbicide provides a chemical barrier in the soil that inhibits or kills weed seedlings when they come in contact. For more information on winter weed control refer to this weed control timeline.
Finally, know your local ordinance because in addition to the summer N and P ban, other year-round restrictions apply. There are restrictions regarding weather conditions, fertilizer free zones, and management of landscape debris. These restriction apply to all residents. In Hillsborough county there are penalties up to $500 and imprisonment up to 60 days for violations. Access the Hillsborough County Fertilizer Ordinance and Regulation webpage.
Visit the ProHort webpage.
Contact Susan at (813)744-5519 Ext. 54103 or szcrmchz@ufl.edu

October marks the end of most fertilizer restrictions in the Tampa Bay area. Most “summer bans” restrict the application of nitrogen and phosphorous from June 1st through September 30 during the rainy season. During the summer ban other nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, manganese, and iron can be applied. These other nutrients help turfgrass with […]

Fall Lawn Care

On June 1, many local fertilizer ordinances start the &#8220;blackout period&#8221;, a restricted time of year where no fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus are to be applied. What does that mean for Polk County? It is important that residents in Polk County know what the local fertilizer ordinance states. What is the purpose of a [&#8230;]

On June 1, many local fertilizer ordinances start the &#8220;blackout period&#8221;, a restricted time of year where no fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus are to be applied. What does that mean for Polk County?
It is important that residents in Polk County know what the <a href="http://www.polk.wateratlas.usf.edu/upload/documents/Polk-County-Fertilizer-Ordinance-March2013.pdf">local fertilizer ordinance</a> states.<img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-6689 alignleft lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="fertilizing" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/files/2023/06/fertilizing-300x225.jpg">
<h2>What is the purpose of a fertilizer ordinance?</h2>
The purpose of the fertilizer ordinance in Polk County is to reduce nutrient leaching and runoff from improper fertilizer use, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, the nutrients most associated with pollution issues in waterbodies. Polk County has had a fertilizer management ordinance in place since 2013.
<h2>What are the restrictions/requirements in the fertilizer ordinance?</h2>
<ul>
<li>No fertilizer shall be applied within 10 feet of any waterbody or wetland.</li>
<li>A low maintenance zone is strongly encouraged within 10 feet of any waterbody or wetland.</li>
<li>A maximum of 1 pound of slow release nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. per application. A maximum of 0.5 pound of water soluble nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. per application.</li>
<li>No fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorous shall be applied before seeding or sodding and not for the first 30 days after seeding or sodding.</li>
<li>Any fertilizer spilled on an impervious surface (like a driveway, sidewalk, or road) must be removed. Fertilizer must never be swept, washed, or blown off onto any impervious surface, stormwater drain, or any waterbody.</li>
<li>Fertilizer spreaders must be equipped with a deflector shield to prevent fertilizer from being applied to impervious surfaces.</li>
<li>Grass clippings and vegetative material must never be swept, washed, or blown off onto any impervious surface, stormwater drain, or any waterbody.</li>
<li>No fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorous shall be applied during severe weather or if rain is likely to exceed 2 inches within 24 hours.</li>
</ul>
<h2>How can a Polk County resident learn more about the fertilizer ordinance?</h2>
<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/gx7lae6qx7j23ev/AADLU6Zmt9MQOnur8Z_Dc7Nna?dl=0&amp;preview=Green+Industry+BMPs+and+the+Polk+County+Fertilizer+Ordinance.pdf">Green Industry Best Management Practices and the Polk County Fertilizer Management Ordinance Factsheet</a>
<a href="http://www.polk.wateratlas.usf.edu/upload/documents/Polk-County-Fertilizer-Ordinance-March2013.pdf">Polk County Fertilizer Management Ordinance</a>
<a href="https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/fertilizer/">Florida Fertilizer Ordinances Map</a>
<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/2022/09/01/blackout-compliant-fertilizers-and-amendments/">Blackout Compliant Fertilizers</a>
For more information, contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at (863) 519-1041 or visit us online at <a href="http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk">http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk</a>. The Plant Clinic is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-4:00 pm to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. Give us a call or email us at <a href="mailto:polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu">polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu</a>.
If you are not in Polk County, Contact your<a href="http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/"> local UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic</a>.
An Equal Opportunity Institution.

On June 1, many local fertilizer ordinances start the “blackout period”, a restricted time of year where no fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus are to be applied. What does that mean for Polk County?
It is important that residents in Polk County know what the local fertilizer ordinance states.
What is the purpose of a fertilizer ordinance?
The purpose of the fertilizer ordinance in Polk County is to reduce nutrient leaching and runoff from improper fertilizer use, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, the nutrients most associated with pollution issues in waterbodies. Polk County has had a fertilizer management ordinance in place since 2013.
What are the restrictions/requirements in the fertilizer ordinance?
No fertilizer shall be applied within 10 feet of any waterbody or wetland.
A low maintenance zone is strongly encouraged within 10 feet of any waterbody or wetland.
A maximum of 1 pound of slow release nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. per application. A maximum of 0.5 pound of water soluble nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. per application.
No fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorous shall be applied before seeding or sodding and not for the first 30 days after seeding or sodding.
Any fertilizer spilled on an impervious surface (like a driveway, sidewalk, or road) must be removed. Fertilizer must never be swept, washed, or blown off onto any impervious surface, stormwater drain, or any waterbody.
Fertilizer spreaders must be equipped with a deflector shield to prevent fertilizer from being applied to impervious surfaces.
Grass clippings and vegetative material must never be swept, washed, or blown off onto any impervious surface, stormwater drain, or any waterbody.
No fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorous shall be applied during severe weather or if rain is likely to exceed 2 inches within 24 hours.
How can a Polk County resident learn more about the fertilizer ordinance?
Green Industry Best Management Practices and the Polk County Fertilizer Management Ordinance Factsheet
Polk County Fertilizer Management Ordinance
Florida Fertilizer Ordinances Map
Blackout Compliant Fertilizers
For more information, contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at (863) 519-1041 or visit us online at http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk. The Plant Clinic is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-4:00 pm to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. Give us a call or email us at polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu.
If you are not in Polk County, Contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic.
An Equal Opportunity Institution.

On June 1, many local fertilizer ordinances start the “blackout period”, a restricted time of year where no fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus are to be applied. What does that mean for Polk County? It is important that residents in Polk County know what the local fertilizer ordinance states. What is the purpose of a […]

Residents Guide to the Polk County Fertilizer Ordinance

Fertilizer Application

Fertilización 

Lawn and Garden Care

Céspedes y cuidado de jardines

Lawn and Garden Problems

Landscape Irrigation and Fertilization

CLUE

Methods

Cultural Methods

Prácticas culturales

Urban Landscapes

Lawn and Garden

Lawns and Landscapes (including Ornamental Plants)

Césped y Paisajes (incluye plantas ornamentales)

Florida Yards and Gardens

Césped y jardín

Patios y jardines de Florida 

Home Lawn and Landscape

Fertilizer application to the soil or to the plant; use "fertilization" for the physiological concept [<a href="http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_10795">AGROVOC</a>]

Lawn & Garden Care: Fertilization

Narrower Topics

Garden Soil and Fertilizer

Landscape Irrigation and Fertilization

Lawn Fertilizer

Publications

Effects of Urban Fertilizer Ordinances on Water Quality

Fertilization of Field-Grown and Landscape Palms in Florida

Nutrient Deficiencies of Landscape and Field-Grown Palms in Florida

Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms of Woody Ornamental Plants in South Florida

Plant Nutrients for Citrus Trees

Planting Shrubs in Florida Landscapes

Quantifying Impacts of Fertilizer Workshops on Nitrogen Leaching and Subsequent Economic Impacts: A Case Study

Soil Sampling and Testing for the Home Landscape or Vegetable Garden

Soil Testing for Plant-Available Nutrients—What Is It and Why Do We Use It?

Soils and Fertilizers for Master Gardeners: The Florida Gardener's Guide to Landscape Fertilizers

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Fertilizer Application

Lawn and Garden Care

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