Phosphorus in Our Lawn Fertilizer: Threatening Indiana's Water from Lawn to Lake

Phosphorus in Our Lawn Fertilizer:Threatening Indiana’s Water and Wildlife

from Lawn to Lakeindianawildlife.org 1

Indiana Wildlife Federation IWF Vision IS TO CREATE

SUSTAINABLE INDIANA WILDLIFE AS A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION, EDUCATION AND RECREATION.

IWF Mission IS TO PROMOTE THE CONSERVATION, SOUND MANAGEMENT, AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF INDIANA'S WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE HABITAT THROUGH EDUCATION, ADVOCACY, AND ACTION.

indianawildlife.org 2

IWF Values Common Sense Conservation:

Continuing with Roosevelt’s idea to enjoy nature, while preserving its resources

Conservation Leadership: Since 1938, IWF has strived to protect Indiana’s wildlife and habitat

Supports restoration of streams & lakes through nutrient management, especially of phosphorus

3indianawildlife.org

What’s wrong with this picture?


Phosphorus OVERLOAD Phosphorus helps plants store energy and

establish a strong root system, but currently plants have plenty!

Nutrients from fertilizer flow and leach from urban, suburban, and agricultural areas into Indiana’s lakes, rivers, and streams.

Phosphorus increases plant and algae growth including invasive species.

Excess nutrients threaten fish, wildlife, and water sources


The Problem:

City of Lincoln & Lancaster County, Nebraska (http://lancaster.ne.gov)


Indiana Lakes

University Lake (near Bloomington)

Palestine Lake (near Fort Wayne)

Indiana Clean Lakes Program, 20097indianawildlife.org

Marion County SWCD:1 lb. of P = 10,000 lbs. of

wet weeds & algae!

Algae-filled water leads to… Decreased biodiversity; Fish kills from

dramatic reductions in dissolved oxygen Damaged quality habitats and reduced food

availability

Photo by: Ted Somerville (www.nuvo.net)8indianawildlife.org

Health Risks Quality of drinking water is

affected, indicated by poor taste and smell.

Some algae can produce toxins (called cyanotoxins) causing skin irritations.

If consumed, this water can lead to gastrointestinal problems and damage to internal systems or even major organs

Harmful for pets, including livestock to consume contaminated water

IUPUI Center for Earth and Environmental Science, 2009


Address the source Many lawn fertilizers contain high levels of

phosphorus. In 2004, Purdue scientists

studied a small group of Indiana lawns: 89% had “adequate” or “high” levels of phosphorus.

This phosphorus is strongly held by the soil

NC State University (ces.ncsu.edu)10indianawildlife.org

Status of Phosphorus in Indiana


Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, produces dangerous toxins, such as microcystin.

US EPA: 68% of Indiana lakes had noticeably high levels of microcystin; with a national average of 32%

MicrocystinIndiana Clean Lakes Program, 2009

White RiverIUPUI Center for Earth and

Environmental Science, 2009

Status of Phosphorus in Indiana

Ocean Shores, WA (osgov.com)

The World Health Organization ascribes a “high risk for adverse effects,” to a cyanobacteria concentration of 100,000 cell/mL of water.

IUPUI’s CEES: As of 07.26.10 the following reservoirs were above 100,000 cells/mL: Eagle Creek, Geist, Morse, Mississinewa, Patoka; Wawasee Lake has 717,000 cells/mL.


Indiana: A leader in phosphorus restriction?

1972: Indiana led the nation in efforts to reduce the use of phosphorus in laundry detergents.

2008: statute effective this year bans phosphorus in dish soap.

Scientists determined neither product benefits from phosphorus, while both contributed to water quality problems!

Scotts, Engledow, and Tru Green feel the same way about lawn fertilizers by using phosphorus-free products!


Current Legislation In Fall 2009, the state legislature’s Environmental Quality

Service Council voted to direct state agencies to devise a strategy for monitoring algae levels.

Financial cutbacks will likely slow most action, but recently a House Resolution was introduced to request that EQSC or NRSC form a committee to address phosphorus in lawn fertilizers. Lake County, IL

(www.lakecountyil.gov)


Development of Nutrient Criteria for Indiana’s Lakes and Reservoirs

IDEM is developing criteria in order to protect lakes and reservoirs from adverse impacts of too much nutrients.

Candidate endpoints for total phosphorous (TP) and chlorophyll a (chl a) are being derived using multiple lines of evidence.

IDEM will hold several stakeholder meetings in the near future to discuss issues regarding the nutrient criteria rule.


For a state that prides itself and depends on healthy,

quality soils in addition to relying on waterways

including the Great Lakes to drive large portions of its

economy…


…Indiana is falling behind. Minnesota and Wisconsin have eliminated phosphorus

from lawn fertilizers. Beginning in 2002, 97% of MN stores began selling

phosphorus-free fertilizers. By 2006, 82% of fertilizers used were phosphorus-free.

Phosphate levels in the Huron River dropped 28% since Ann Arbor, MI adopted a phosphorus ban in 2006.

EPA recently proposed limits on the amount of nutrients entering Florida’s waterways.

MD, ME, IL, NJ, and NY are working on policies to restrict phosphorus in fertilizers or already have an active law in place.


Call to Action Contact your legislator about the problems

associated with excess phosphorus. Challenge him/her to help Indiana reassume its role

as a leader in phosphorus restrictions. Ask your legislator to support a statewide

restriction of phosphorus in lawn fertilizers. A landowner should only apply supplemental

phosphorus to a lawn if a soil test indicates a phosphorus deficiency.


How Can You Help Us? Consider these recommendations…

Check the label on the fertilizer bag to make sure the middle number is zero!

Buy Phosphorus-Free, except if you have a new lawn or a soil test indicates low P.

If desired, fertilize your lawn once in the fall during Sept.

Clean up any fertilizer spills on impervious surfaces, such as driveways or sidewalks.


More recommendations: Mow high to maintain a strong root system. Use grass clippings & fallen leaves as mulch. Pick up pet waste. Water in the morning to prevent fungus growth. Plant native grasses and wildflowers in a buffer

zone of 20ft around the water that will filter out unwanted nutrients and sediments.


Use Sustainable Lawn Care


Start Today! Join our IWF team in the Clear Choices, Clean

Water Campaign by pledging to be P-free at www.indianawildlife.org/phosphorus.htm

Tell family and friends about the problems of excess phosphorus. Challenge your community to go phosphorus-free!


Thank You! To Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust for a grant

that has made this project possible. To Our Partners:


ECWA , Hamilton County SWCD,

HEC,IUPUI CEES,

ILMS, INPAWS,

Scotts Company,Sierra Club,

UWRWA, andVeolia

Phosphorus in Our Lawn Fertilizer: Threatening Indiana's Water from Lawn to Lake

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