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Tampa Bay Region Model OrdinanceDiscussions of Research
Dr. Terril Nell, Director, Center for Landscape Conservation and EcologyDr. George Hochmuth, Associate Dean for Research
The IFAS Landscape Research Team
The Model OrdinancesCommon Goal Several groups working on solving the
problem Counties and municipalities Statewide FDEP model ordinance Statewide FDACS fertilizer rule Legislature consumer fertilizer task force
We all agree………We need culture change
Tampa Bay Region Draft Model Ordinance from Tampa Bay Estuary Program
Using science to protect the environment :
No P fertilizer applied without valid soil test No N fertilizer within 30 days of laying sod Fertilize at lowest rates recommended
Fertilizer-free buffer zones
Negligible fertilizer movement from properly applied fertilizer
200 linear feet X 5 feet wide mower = 1,000 ft2
2,000 grams clippings (dry weight)3.5% nitrogen in the clippings =
70 grams nitrogen =0.15 lbs nitrogen
Do not apply fertilizer to impervious surfaces
Sloppy application of fertilizer
Even with controlled-release fertilizers
Even at commercial and public settings
Controlled-release fertilizer in crevices is a waste and contributes to storm water runoff
Transition image
Tampa Bay Region Draft Model Ordinance from Tampa Bay Estuary Program
An area of concern, possibly unintended consequences : The Restricted Season from June 1st to September 30th
Some scientific considerations
Biology and ecology of turfgrass in the lawn-research results
Turf growth during the year Root growth during the year Nutrient uptake during the year
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Warm-season turfgrass growth in the year
What happens to nutrients in a well-managed landscape?
Lysimeters buried in center of each plot
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10
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4/4 4/18 5/2 5/16 5/30 6/13 6/27 7/11 7/25 8/8 8/22 9/5 9/19 10/3 10/17 10/31
1 lb N 1.75 lb N
Tot
al N
itra
te, m
g M
-2
Total N Leaching inEstablished Floratam St. Augustinegrass 2006
UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCESHuman nature
Overfertilization ‘on the side” Use of stashed quick release to correct perceived problem
Loss of turf vigor and stand could lead to increased leaching
Lower root mass in spring and fall may lead to more leaching
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5
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May June July Aug Sept OctPerc
enta
ge o
f N
App
lied
Lea
ched
(%
)
Days
UAN 1/30
Per
cent
age
of N
App
lied
Lea
ched
(%
)
0
5
10
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May June July Aug Sept Oct
Irrigation management is important for preventing leaching and runoff
Our suggestions are for a flexible restricted period Allow some flexibility during the restricted
period to correct a diagnosed nutrition problem
Tissue testing Soil testing Small fertilizer application only under
specified conditions Teachable moments-change culture
Where do we go from here?
We need watershed and springs friendly fertilizers
Focus on proper fertilization practices Focus on irrigation management Educate the consumer, commercial
applicators, and retail establishments
Tampa Bay Region Model OrdinanceDiscussions of Research
Contact Us:Dr. Terril Nell …[email protected]. George Hochmuth…[email protected]
