Phosphorous Fertilizer Ban

KALAMAZOO (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - It might seem like an unusual time of the year to be thinking about fertilizer but that's just what's on the minds of some local leaders these days.

Several communities, including Ottawa and Allegan counties, have decided to ban homeowners from using fertilizers with phosphorous. The environmental concern is that to much phosphorous ends up in our lakes and streams.

"To insure healthy plant, we need vigorous and healthy root system," said President of Romence Gardens, Joe Romence.

For that reason, your soil needs phosphorous.

"There are benefits of phosphorous, some detriments as well," said Romence.

The drawbacks are what public health departments are zeroing in on.

"If your lakes and streams have too much phosphorous, algae overgrows.. Chokes off waterways," said Director Linda Buzas of the Kalamazoo County Health Department.

Joe Romence says he doesn't think communities banning phosphorous is the answer. Instead, it's education. The zero phosphate fertilizer is popular among people living along lakes, but most customers want at least a little in a four step plan.

"Michigan soil is high in phosphorous so we keep that number low," said George Wedel of Wedel's Garden Center.

Wedel points out that if you let your lawn break down, then there's more potential for runoff.

"You can have a great impact on water quality by having a good turf," said Widel.

He'd like to see communities to consider the other sources of phosphorous.

"Leaky septic tanks, leaky sewers, look at other contributors," said Buzas.

Right now, Kalamazoo County is just researching a phosphorous ban for homeowners, to decide if it's even realistic. Most communities that have implemented the bans admit, they will be difficult to enforce because it's legal for manufactures to sell it.