Fight Pollution On Your Own Turf
by Dr. Robert Black, Consumer Horticultural Specialist

Water pollution is seriously threatening the environment of this state. Yet many do not realize that they themselves could be the cause of that pollution. For example, your garden, lawn or waterfront home could be a source of pollution.

There are two ways pollutants can reach water--through runoff and leaching. Runoff is the physical transport of pollutants over surface lands. Leaching is a process whereby pollutants are flushed out of soil by water as it percolates through the ground. In many area of Florida, where land is flat, sandy and porous, leaching is a more serious concern than runoff.

The grass on your lawn holds topsoil in place and absorbs nutrients that can pollute water. Yet improper management of turfgrass may cause water quality problems. Some home gardeners, in order to have a lush, attractive lawn, water and fertilize too much. Since most Florida turfgrass is grown on sandy soils that hold water poorly, it is easy to flush out expensive fertilizer with the lawn sprinkler. Follow these tips to reduce pollution and save fertilizer (remember, your objective is to keep water and fertilizer in the root zone of the grass for as long as possible):

1. Apply no more than 3/4 inch of water per irrigation.
2. Make sure your sprinkling system applies water uniformly. Don't let the reach of two sprinklers overlap excessively.
3. Adjust your water to the season: in summer you may need to water a few times a week. In winter, you may want to water less. Watch the grass for a bluish-gray color. This indicates grass is wilting and needs to be watered.
4. Look for the words "slow release" or "insoluble" on fertilizer labels. Nitrogen in this type of fertilizer will not wash away as quickly.
5. Don't be fooled by the word "organic". Some organic fertilizers leach as quickly as inorganic.
6. Increase mowing height of lawns; this increased height allows the plant to develop a deep root system.
7. After fertilizing, apply only enough water so that the fertilizer reaches the root zone. If soil is very dry, water your lawn before fertilizing, but allow grass to dry first.
8. Apply nitrogen at low enough rates so that the turf can absorb it readily. Generally about one half pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet per application is adequate and safe.

Pest control of lawns should be done with a great deal of care, because pesticides are often toxic. Avoid applying pesticides as a preventative measure. Instead, scout your lawn weekly for pest infestation. When a problem arises, treat it promptly. Spot treatment of a pest problem is usually as effective as treating the whole lawn.

Water belongs to everybody and protecting it is the responsibility of each of us. If everyone would fight pollution on his or her own turf, a lot could be accomplished. As the saying goes, if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Be part of the solution.