“Keep
our water clean” Fertilizer
Education
Fertilizers containing phosphorus cannot be used in
Commerce Township.
Look for the middle number on the bag of fertilizer,
the number should be 0 (zero).
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The ordinance also regulates the use of Nitrogen. The total annual amount of nitrogen
applied to 1000 square feet of turf cannot exceed five pounds per year (four
pounds for lake frontage property).
No more than one pound of nitrogen can be applied to 1,000 square feet
in any one application. Lawn Fertilizers
shall not be applied more than once every six weeks or more than five times
during any one calendar year to any turf area. The use of lawn fertilizer containing at least 25% of the
nitrogen in a slow-release form is recommended. No fertilizer may be applied between November 15th
and April 1st, any time when the ground is frozen, nor when conditions may
exist that would promote or create runoff (for example when heavy rain is
forecasted). Lawn Fertilizers shall not be applied more than once every six
weeks or more than five times a in a calendar year. |
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What to look for: On any bag, box or bottle of
fertilizer there is a string of three numbers.
Nitrogen - Phosphorus - Potassium The first number indicates
percent nitrogen (N) content. The middle number indicates percent phosphorus
(P) content and should read “0” for use in Commerce Township. The last number
is potassium (K) which is not regulated. |
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Fertilizer must be swept off any impervious surface
(e.g. sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, highways and streets). Buffer Zone:
No fertilizer may be applied within 15 feet of any wetland, pond stream,
watercourse or lake. Commercial Applicators must
acquire a license from the Township and are subject to additional provisions. |
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Exemptions: Fertilizers which contain
phosphorus may be used if soil testing indicates that it is needed or in the
first year of establishing a new lawn.
However the ordinance does limit the amount of phosphorus that may be
applied per 1000 sq. ft. of turf to 0.3 pounds per application and a limit of
a total of 1 pound per year.
Exemptions expire annually. These restrictions do not apply
to fertilizers used for agricultural crops, flower and vegetable gardening,
or on golf courses or high performance turf areas (such as athletic fields)
maintained by trained staff. |
When should you apply
nitrogen?
Save money and don’t over
fertilize! Many lawns only need one or
two applications of fertilizer a year.
Table 1 below is a helpful guide
to applying fertilizer based on MSU Turf Tips. No more than one pound of Nitrogen may be applied to 1000
square feet of turf area in a single application. This is sufficient for a healthy lawn. In some instances you may want to apply a smaller amount. For example, too much nitrogen can “burn” a
lawn during very hot months.
Table 1: Home Lawn
Fertilization Timing Chart
Pounds of Nitrogen per thousand
square feet of lawn.
* Special
Considerations: Reduce the overall nitrogen applied by approximately 1
pound of N per 1,000 square feet when you return clippings to the turf, or for
shady areas.
** High fertility
lawns are lawns consisting primarily of Kentucky bluegrass which are
irrigated frequently. Note Lakefront Maximum is 4 # Nitrogen per year and
no fertilizer within 15 feet of water or wetlands.
Table 2 below is helpful to find
out the amount of fertilizer you need to apply to the lawn.
- Select the amount of Nitrogen to be applied to 1000 sq. ft. of
turf ( either 1 our 0.5 (half) pound (#’s)
- Select the percentage of Nitrogen in the Fertilizer product.
- Read the pounds (#’s) fertilizer from the chart
For example if you wish to apply 1 pound of nitrogen to 1000 sq.
ft. of turf, and have purchased a fertilizer with 20 percent Nitrogen (the
first number) then you would apply 5 pounds of fertilizer to 1000 square feet
of turf.
Table 2:
#s Fertilizer to apply per 1000 Sq Ft
Based on Nitrogen content and Rate
of Application.
When can I apply Phosphorus?
When soil test results indicate you need phosphorus you may
obtain permission from the township to use a phosphorus containing fertilizer..
Phosphorus may be used the first season of establishing a new lawn (seeding
or sod).
A maximum of amount of phosphorus (P) can be applied to
1000 square feet of turf area is 0.3 pounds per application and 1.0 pounds per year.
Table 3 is helpful in determining which fertilizer blend to
use:
1.
Select the rate of Nitrogen (N) you wish to apply.
2.
Use Table 2 to determine the amount of fertilizer that
may be applied to 1000 square feet of turf.
3.
Use Table 3 to find out the maximum percentage of
Phosphorus (P) for a particular blend of fertilizer to be used.
In our example we have decided to apply 1 pound (#) of Nitrogen
per 1000 square feet (sq. ft.) of turf.
And have decided to use a fertilizer with a 20 percent Nitrogen
content. Table 2 indicates we can apply
5 pounds (#’s) of a 20-P-K fertilizer.
Note that P (Phosphorus) is to be determined and that K (Potassium) is
not covered by the ordinance. Table 3 indicates that the maximum analysis of
phosphorus we could use is 6 percent (% P).
Thus we
could select a fertilizer with a 20-6-K analysis. Or, in this example, we could select a fertilizer with a lower
level of phosphorus such as a 20-5-K
Table
3: Maximum % Phosphorus (middle number)
Based on
0.3# P/1000 sq ft per application.
Test your soil
A soil test is a good idea, especially if you feel your
lawn may need phosphorus or nitrogen.
Contact Michigan State University Extension Service. For
information and Instructions:
Tel: (248) 858-0880.
or toll free (Oakland County)
1-888-350-0900 ext. 80880
Web site: www.msue.msu.edu/oakland/
All applicators wishing to apply fertilizers more frequently
than permmited in the ordinance or in amounts exceeding the quantities prescribed
for phosphorus or nitrogen may apply to the township for administrative
relief. A soil analysis is required and
the results will be reviewed by the township before a permit is issued.
Storm water runoff is currently
one of the largest pollution sources degrading our water resources.
Many people are surprised to learn that an estimated 75% of the
pollutants entering our wetlands, streams, rivers and lakes are the result of
individual activities.
You can help by following the Commerce Township Fertilizer
Ordinance. Contact the township offices
for a full copy.
Commercial Applicators will be required to obtain permits from
the township for applications after April 1, 2004.
Retail Stores will be required to display information about the
ordinance requirements after April 1, 2004.
This publication was prepared by
the Commerce Township Clean Water Education Committee.