hillsborough county environmental protection commission

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

14

Warm-season turfgrass growth in the year

What happens to nutrients in a well-managed landscape?

Lysimeters buried in center of each plot

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

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

0

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

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30

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 ….tanell@ufl.eduDr. George Hochmuth….hoch@ufl.edu