Urban Fertilizer Council Lethbridge, AB September 2008

Communities in Bloom Sponsorship Urban Fertilizer Council is excited to be a national sponsor at this years 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

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

Were 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 Its not hard to keep lawns and the environment healthy

Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place® The Councils approach is built around the Canadian Fertilizer Institutes 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 shouldnt 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