Why Use Phosphorus Free Fertilizers

What does Phosphorus do?

Phosphorus is a natural element necessary for photosynthesis in plants, including your lawn and garden. It has a direct impact on the roots, leaves, and the overall growth of grass and plants. Phosphorus makes your lawn lush and thick.

So Why Buy Phosphorus-Free Fertilizer?

Have you ever packed up your kids, friends, and all your gear in the car for a day at the beach only to find out the beach is closed? Taken a well-deserved day off to go fishing with your buddies, only to find your favorite fishing hole is covered in stinky green slime? Or worse–have you ever gotten warnings from your local water municipality that you need to boil your water before drinking it?

Phosphorus may be to blame. The biggest issue with phosphorus is that, with use over time, it can build up in the soil and start leaching into nearby watersheds. Excessive phosphorus levels in water promote the growth of algae and can cause algae blooms in nearby bodies of water. Certain types of algae can produce toxins that are harmful to fish and other aquatic life, as well as to humans and animals. Pollution from runoff flows into drains, streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Why is this important?

Each year, March 22 marks World Water Day. This year’s theme is on the significance of groundwater. (To read more, visit https://www.worldwaterday.org/) In recent years, there has been much discussion regarding the world’s water supply, most importantly, the availability of clean drinking water for everyone. We’ve experienced severe weather patterns that have contributed to droughts, floods, and fires, spotlighting our need for secure water sources. Polluted water requires costly intervention to make it safe to drink, let alone to enjoy recreational activities.

What is already being done?

Phosphorus is the leading cause of water pollution. Recognizing this, some states have adopted their own laws restricting the use of phosphorus. Since phosphorus is a vital nutrient for plant growth, many fertilizers used on golf courses and on agricultural land incorporate phosphorus. The most realistic approach to reduce phosphorus in soil was to remove it from home lawn fertilizer. In 2004, Minnesota was the first state to restrict phosphorus use and enforce phosphorus-free fertilizer equipment. Soon after, 10 states joined them, half of them are Great Lakes states: IL, ME, MA, MI, NY, NJ, VT, VI, WA, WI. 

What can you do?

Hertilizers always have an NPK number analyzing the Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) levels in the mix. Unless your lab soil test shows a deficiency of phosphorus, choose a phosphorus-free fertilizer, identified with a middle digit of zero.

For 40 years, our focus has been on creating products and practices that are beneficial to/ not harmful to the environment. Phosphorus-free Lawn Force 5 is a phosphorus-free version of our popular all-in-one lawn treatment, Lawn Force 5, which fertilizes, dethatches, conditions & bio-activates the soil, and contains beneficial root fungus called mycorrhyzae.

Remember, healthy lawns lead to healthy water!