Urban Fertilizer CouncilLethbridge, ABSeptember 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