Practicing Proper Fertilization Use
Learn Why It Matters to You.
Actions – both big and small – have a profound effect on the health of the Reedy River. One way area citizens can help is by understanding and practicing proper, responsible use of fertilizers.
Improper fertilizer application is problematic for surrounding waterways AND for you – the homeowner. Accidental exposure, inhalation, or ingestion, by a person or pet can cause harm to one’s health. Additionally, fertilizer might be hurting your wallet. Oftentimes homeowners will use fertilizer on areas that don’t actually need to be treated, or will use more fertilizer than is needed for healthy plants.
Allowing fertilizer to enter a waterway or storm drain raises the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients cause toxic aquatic plant growth that can result in dangerously low levels of dissolved oxygen, which can harm or kill other aquatic life.
To prevent these dangerous consequences, here are three key tips to put into practice.
- Closely follow the instructions, including how much fertilizer you should use and the safety precautions.
- Only allow fertilizer to touch areas of the yard that need treatment – never on paved surfaces or near storm drains.
- Don’t water immediately after you fertilize, and don’t fertilize if there is a rain storm in the forecast.
Want to learn more? The Greenville County Soil and Water Conservation District explains more here.
