SWFWMD Launches "Florida Friendly" Fertilizer Campaign to Combat Nutrient Pollution
The Southwest Florida Water Management District kicked off a new multi-media public service advertising campaign this week to educate residents on how to fertilize their lawns appropriately.
Recent studies have shown that rising nitrate levels in many local water bodies can be traced to fertilizer. Nitrate is a form of nitrogen that is found in inorganic fertilizers. When fertilizer is needed and applied correctly, the lawn absorbs the nitrogen. However, fertilizers applied improperly can run off lawns and into local water bodies, harming water quality and threatening the plants and animals that depend on clean water for survival.
The campaign focuses on these Florida-Friendly Fertilizing tips:
- Use slow-release fertilizers.
- Always follow package directions.
- Don't fertilize before a heavy rain.
- Fertilize only when needed and only when grass is actively growing.