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4 S i i Recommendations for handling existing stock of phosphorus lawn fertilizer in the seven county Twin Cities metro area ISSUE Now that phosphorus lawn fertilizer use is restricted in Minnesota,cities and other units of government may be asked by the public"What should I do with my leftover bag of phosphorus lawn fertilizer?" THE LAW As of January 2004,phosphorus lawn fertilizer is not to be used on established lawns in the seven county Twin Cities metro area unless a current soil test shows a need for I phosphorus.Phosphorus lawn fertilizer can be used when establishing new lawns, either by seeding or laying sod.The law restricts use of phosphorus lawn fertilizers on 4 lawns,not its sale.Full details on the law are available at the Minnesota Department ;?�ro- of Agriculture's website: www.mda.state.nm.us/god/ace/lawncwatgrq.htm. �a s READING THE BAG Phosphorus lawn fertilizers are lawn fertilizers that have a number other than a zero in the middle of the string of three numbers showing the fertilizer's analysis.For example,a fertilizer with 22-3-15 on the bag contains phosphorus;a bag labeled with A"zero in the middle" 22-0-15,does not. indicates this fertilizer is phosphorus-free.A OPTIONS FOR EXISTING PHOSPHORUS LAWN FERTILIZER USE number other than zero The law applies only to lawn fertilization,and the zero phosphorus restriction applies indicates the fertilizer only to the seven county Twin Cities metro area(in non-metro areas,a 3%phosphate contains phosphorus. restriction applies).This provides several alternatives for use or disposal of phosphorus lawn fertilizer: Alternatives for handling phosphorus lawn fertilizers that contain pesticides: (Typically containing herbicides for weed control or insecticides for insect control.) 1. Use the fertilizer on lawns outside of the seven county Twin Cities metro area where it is legal to do so.It is not advisable,however,to use phosphorus lawn fertilizers in areas near lakes. 2. Take to a county household hazardous waste collection site.Call your county government information phone number or visit your county government website for locations. 3. Do not use lawn fertilizers that contain pesticides on gardens or any other area that is not a lawn! Alternatives for handling phosphorus lawn fertilizers that do not contain pesticides: 1. Use on vegetable and flower gardens.However,realize that unlike typical garden fertilizer,lawn fertilizer can be relatively high in nitrogen and low in phosphorus and potassium.Apply no more than 1.5 cups of lawn fertilizer to 100 sq.ft.(10'X 10')and plan to soil test after three years to assure plant nutrient needs are being met.An additional 1 cup of lawn fertilizer per 100 sq.ft.can be applied as a sidedress on sweet corn,vine crops,tomatoes,potatoes and cole crops 3-4 weeks after planting. 2. Use the fertilizer on lawns outside of the seven county Twin Cities metro area where it is legal to do so.It is not advisable,however,to use phosphorus lawn fertilizers in areas near lakes. 3. Place in trash. FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE LAW AND LAWNS For information on the Minnesota Phosphorus Lawn Fertilizer Law,visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's website at www.mda.state.mn.us/annd/ace/lawncwaterq.htm or call 651-296-6121. For information on lawn care,visit the University of Minnesota Extension Service's Yard and Garden Line at www.extension.umn.edu or call 612-624-4771. Prepared by: Ron Struss, University of Minnesota Extension Service, 651-215-1950. 3-26-04