Indiana says homeowners should skip phosphate

Indianapolis, Ind.-The top environmental office in the state is recommending that homeowners skip applying phosphorus when they fertilize lawns. In a statement issued by the Indiana Dept. of Environmental Management, Commissioner Thomas Easterly advised, “Adding more phosphorous to our lawns is like trying to fill an already full gas tank in our cars. So homeowners with plans to fertilize their lawns are encouraged to purchase zero or low phosphorous fertilizers and to check nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium numbers on fertilizer bags.” Easterly explained that phosphorous is needed only for new growth, and once a lawn is established most Indiana soils already contain enough to do the job. He recommended a soil test first; buying and sparingly using alternatives to fertilizer high in phosphorous; applying fertilizer carefully to avoid spilling over on walkways, streets, or driveways; and maintaining a buffer strip of natural vegetation, such as wildflowers and native grasses, bordering watercourses and ponds.