LMIB Phosphorus Fertilizers

Township resolutions oppose
use of phosphorus fertilizers

Last year, Selma and Cherry Grove Township Boards passed a Township Resolution opposing the use of fertilizers containing phosphorus within 500 feet of Lake Mitchell. The resolution provides an exemption from the phosphorus-free provision if soil samples taken to the Michigan Extension Office on Lake Street, show a phosphorus deficiency or during the first season that a new lawn is established. Soil studies show that virtually all hard ground area around our lake has a natural abundance of phosphorus.

Michigan’s Ottawa County has passed an ordinance banning the sale and use of phosphorus fertilizers. Allegan County is voting on a similar ordinance in the near future. Other Michigan communities have also adopted ordinances restricting use of phosphorus.

Phosphorus–free fertilizers are available at the following locations:

The 13^th Street Market and Helsel Bruce Tree Farm Nursery (779-1414) located on the corner of 13^th Street and M-115 has phosphorus-free fertilizer available.

Grahek’s Greenery (775-9362) on 515 East 13^th Street also has a four-step fertilizer program that are all phosphate-free.

Home Depot – On west side of 131 near Boon Road.

McBain Co-Op – 101 N. Pine Street in McBain

Lake Weeds Love Phosphorus

Phosphorus, a key ingredient in lawn fertilizers, stimulates the growth of aquatic weeds and algae. As it turns sandbars into weed beds, covers gravel beds with slime and waving mosses, as well as clouds clear water with an over abundance of microscopic plant life. More plant life produces more dead plant material and the accelerated decay of plant matter robs the water of oxygen supply. Meanwhile the phosphorus accumulates in the decayed material and continues to stimulate growth. One pound of phosphorus could result in over 500 pounds of wet algae.

Keep your lawn green and our lake clean

On fertilizer packages there are three numbers, the middle number indicates phosphorus content. The numbers 30-0-4 on a package of fertilizer shows there is no phosphorus. When contracting lawn care services such as Trugreen or Chemlawn, insist that they use phosphorus-free products. Encourage your neighbors not to use phosphorus fertilizers as well.

Test your soil before fertilizing. If you must use a fertilizer, use a non-phosphorus fertilizer and a slow-release nitrogen source. The slow-release nitrogen will allow less of an impact on the lake since only two applications, spring and fall are required.