Tampa Bay Region Model Ordinance Discussions of Research Dr. Terril Nell, Director, Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology Dr. George Hochmuth, Associate Dean for Research The IFAS Landscape Research Team

The Model Ordinances Common Goal Several groups working on solving the problem Counties and municipalities Statewide FDEP model ordinance Statewide FDACS fertilizer rule Legislature consumer fertilizer task force

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

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

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 1 st to September 30 th Some scientific considerations

An area of concern, possibly unintended consequences :

The Restricted Season from June 1 st to September 30 th

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

Turf growth during the year

Root growth during the year

Nutrient uptake during the year

Warm-season turfgrass growth in the year

What happens to nutrients in a well-managed landscape?

Lysimeters buried in center of each plot

Total Nitrate, mg M -2 Total N Leaching in Established Floratam St. Augustinegrass 2006

UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES Human nature Overfertilization ‘on the side” Use of stashed quick release to correct perceived problem

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 Percentage of N Applied Leached (%) Days UAN 1/30

Percentage of N Applied Leached (%)

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

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

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 Ordinance Discussions of Research Contact Us: Dr. Terril Nell ….tanell@ufl.edu Dr. George Hochmuth….hoch@ufl.edu