Fertilizer law spurred by Barnegat Bay pollution implemented

To help prevent greater pollution of New Jersey's bays and waterways, use lawn fertilizers wisely this spring.

The final phase of New Jersey's new fertilizer law has kicked in, according to the state.

The law was called the nation's toughest when it was approved two years ago, according to our archives.

Under phase three, manufacturers are providing fertilizers with reduced nitrogen and zero phosphorous for use in most typical lawn care situations, according to an N.J. Department of Environmental Protection statement.

Exceptions include when people are establishing or repairing turf or when a soil test reveals that phosphorous is needed, the statement says. The law applies to lawn - not garden - fertilizers.

Gov. Chris Christie signed the law in January 2011 as part of his 10-point Barnegat Bay action plan, the statement notes.

Phase one required best management practices to reduce the impacts of fertilizers on waterways and the development of public outreach, according to the statement.

Phase two created a certification program for professional fertilizer applicators and lawn care providers, the statement says.

Here, according to the DEP, are some helpful tips:

- Read fertilizer labels. All fertilizer products for turf must have at least 20 percent slow-release nitrogen and no phosphorus, unless a soil test demonstrates a need for more. Check the first and second number on the package for nitrogen and phosphate content. Formula 26-0-3, for example, means zero phosphate.

- Hiring a certified fertilizer applicator can help ensure the proper use of fertilizers. All professional applicators and lawn care providers are required to be trained and certified through the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers University.

- If you apply fertilizer yourself, follow the directions carefully. Use the proper spreader setting and don't apply fertilizer if heavy rain is expected. Sweep up excess fertilizer and use proper fertilizing equipment.

- Conserve water. Do not over-water your lawn. Adjust sprinklers if water runs into the gutter. Water during cooler times of the day.

- Identify pests before spraying pesticides. Ask a specialist at your garden center for advice on how to deal with specific pests. Use integrated pest management (IPM) methods to minimize chemical use in your garden. Many IPM methods do not require the use of chemical pesticides (my emphasis).

- Plant ground cover to reduce the amount of grass, reducing the need for fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides.

- Use natural pesticides such as milky spore and nematodes wherever possible. If you must use chemical pesticides, use them sparingly and in targeted areas.

- Have your lawn tested at the county Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension office to see if you need to fertilize. If so, use natural and slow-release nitrogen fertilizers and follow the manufacturer's directions. Never put fertilizers on your lawn or garden if rain is expected.

- Use a mulching mower instead of bagging grass clippings to reduce lawn waste and the need for fertilizer. Do not put loose leaves or grass clippings in the street. Add them to a compost pile. If you need to dispose of leaves or grass clippings, contact your town to determine the appropriate disposal method.

- If you must use herbicides, apply them directly to weeds instead of broadcasting them if possible. A healthy lawn will reduce weed growth.

- Use mulch on flower beds and gardens to prevent weeds from growing and to help absorb water.

- Use drought-resistant native plants in gardens and beds. Such plants require less fertilizer and water, reducing the amount of potentially polluted runoff.

- To learn more about the fertilizer law, including exceptions, acceptable application rates and acceptable application periods, visit: www.nj.gov/dep/healthylawnshealthywater.

- To learn more about the new law and its benefits, visit: www.nj.gov/dep/barnegatbay/plan-nutrientpollution.htm.