In accordance with Sarasota and Manatee
counties' urban fertilizer ordinances, the
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) is
reminding residents to use fertilizers with a
minimum of 50-percent slow-release nitro-
gen if they fertilize their lawns or flowerbeds
during the spring.
"Slow-release products (also called con-
trolled release or timed release) feed lawns
and plants gradually and for a longer period
of time, an SBEP news release points out.
"They are more easily absorbed by the plants
and less likely to become stormwater runoff
after heavy rains."
The SBEP also is reminding residents that
local ordinances prohibit fertilizer application
in the summer months, from June 1 through
Sept. 30, the release notes. "Using too much
fertilizer has an adverse impact on water
quality and aquatic life because of the high
amount of nitrogen and phosphorus." Learn
more by visiting befloridian.org or the SBEP
website at sarasotabay.org.
SBEP REMINDS RESIDENTS TO USE SLOW-RELEASE FERTILIZER
The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is reminding area residents to help protect the water quality in
the bay. Photo by Norman Schimmel
Sarasota News Leader April 18, 2014 Page 91
