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Urban Fertilizer Council Lethbridge, AB September 2008. Communities in Bloom Sponsorship . Urban Fertilizer Council is excited to be a national sponsor at this year’s Conference. Lawn and Garden Fertilizer is under scrutiny We need to learn from the pesticide experience
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Urban Fertilizer Council Lethbridge, AB September 2008
Communities in Bloom Sponsorship • Urban Fertilizer Council is excited to be a national sponsor at this year’s Conference
Lawn and Garden Fertilizer is under scrutiny • We need to learn from the pesticide experience • We have time, but not much • Major issue is water quality in cottage country…
Food for Plants • Plants can get the same essential nutrients from several sources: • Manure • Compost • Bio-solids • Fertilizer
Food for Plants • Plants can get the same essential nutrients from several sources: • Manure • Compost • Bio-solids • Fertilizer
Fertilizer • Is made from the air we breathe and mineral deposits • Contains the same nutrients found in nature, compost and manure • Allows for precise application
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium • Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K) are the major nutrients in fertilizers • Fertilizer is marked with three numbers, that denote how much N-P-K is in the particular package
Nitrogen Nitrogen promotes growth and that deep, lush green that draws admiring looks. It is a staple in most fertilizers
Phosphorus Phosphorus promotes the development of strong, healthy roots, vibrant flowers, seeds, early maturity, and a normal healthy green colour
Potassium Plants use potassium in such functions as photosynthesis, protein formation and water use
Urban Fertilizer Council • Members: • Scotts • Sure-Gro • Agrium Advanced Technologies • CFI • Stewardship focus • Educate homeowners, public • Provide tools to municipal officials
We’re all responsible All sources of plant nutrients, including manure, composts and “organic” products, need to used wisely Using fertilizer is consistent with protecting the environment Everyone has a role to play It’s not hard to keep lawns and the environment healthy
Right Product@Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place® The Council’s approach is built around the Canadian Fertilizer Institute’s Right Product@Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place system. Developed for farmers… But the basic principles of the 4Rs applies to anyone using fertilizer
Greener Lawns Keystone publication Focused on town councillors, parks and rec managers Stewardship message
Best Management Practice Right Product – Use the correct fertilizer for your soil conditions Have your soil tested every couple of years to determine what type of fertilizer nutrients are needed When purchasing your own fertilizer, look for products that contain slowly available nitrogen. Slowly available nitrogen can be found in organic and synthetic forms Carefully read and follow the directions on the fertilizer bag. Those directions are there to ensure the best results for your lawn and the environment
Best Management Practice Right Rate - Use the right amount of fertilizer Follow fertilizer rate recommendations. More is not always better Too much fertilizer can result in burning and yellow strips in your lawn Use a good quality spreader and make sure to check the setting
Best Management Practice Right Time – Use fertilizer at the right time of the year Know your lawn and the grass variety. Different grass varieties require different fertilizer timings for best results Lawns go through a normal period of dormancy during the driest parts of summer. During that time, you should not fertilizer your lawn – let it rest During dormancy, reduce the amount of foot-traffic and stop mowing. As the rain returns grass will green up in 7-10 days Fertilizer shouldn’t be applied when the ground is frozen or just before a heavy rain is expected
Best Management Practice Right Place – Make sure fertilizer stays where it has the most benefit to your lawn and the least impact on the environment and our waterways Keep fertilizer off hard surfaces such as driveways, patios and sidewalks. Clean up any spills immediately Leave a small strip unfertilized on the edge of the lawn Avoid fertilizer steep slopes or in gullies Avoid run-off into storm sewers, rivers, lakes and ponds Fertilizer should only be used as a source of nutrients for lawns and gardens. Fertilizer should not be used to de-ice walkways and driveways
Well fertilized lawns Produce enough oxygen for a family of four Have the same cooling power as four central air conditioners Provide safe play areas for kids Compete with weeds Prevent runoff and erosion