Fertilizer, Phosphorus and a recent BCC Blog Poll

What's so bad about fertilizer you might ask?  Phosphorus is a nutrient required by all organisms for the basic processes of life. Phosphorus is a natural element found in rocks, soils and organic material. Phosphorus clings tightly to soil particles and is used by plants, so its concentrations in clean waters is generally very low. However, phosphorus is used extensively in fertilizer and other chemicals, so it can be found in higher concentrations in areas of human activity. Many seemingly harmless activities added together can cause phosphorus overloads.

In freshwater lakes and rivers, phosphorus is often found to be the growth-limiting nutrient, because it occurs in the least amount relative to the needs of plants. If excessive amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen are added to the water, algae and aquatic plants can be produced in large quantities. When these algae die, bacteria decompose them, and use up oxygen. This process is called eutrophication. Dissolved oxygen concentrations can drop too low for fish to breathe, leading to fish kills. The loss of oxygen in the bottom waters can free phosphorus previously trapped in the sediments, further increasing the available phosphorus.

Our recent blog poll asked Bremen residents how/if they fertilize their lawns.  With a total of 12 responses via the blog and random polling  we found that 75% of the respondents do not use fertilizers at all compared to a state poll that indicated 60% went without using fertilizer.  25% of respondents indicated that they use fertilize about every other year or so.

If you'd like to learn more about phosphorus free fertilizers click on the link below:
http://www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/doclake/fert/phospage.htm

If you'd like to learn about the Lakesmart Program for waterfront property owners click on the link below:
http://www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/doclake/lakesmart/index.htm