Madison, Wisc.-A statewide ban went into effect April 1 on using phosphorus as a turf fertilizer, except in limited cases. According to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, which is responsible for enforcement, the aim is to protect lakes, streams, and rivers from runoff. “The new law makes it illegal for Wisconsin retailers to display turf fertilizer that is labeled as containing phosphorus or available phosphate,” explained Fertilizer Program Manager Charlene Khazae. She said the restrictions apply not only to home owners, but also to professional lawn and landscape businesses, golf courses, and municipalities. Dealers apparently were taking it stride. At ACE Hardware in Howard, fertilizer packages on display say they’re “phosphorus free.” Manager Jeff Baranczyk said his store has spent some time preparing for the change. “Educating the customer is going to be our biggest thing. I don’t know if the customer realizes totally what’s going on right now,” he noted. Homeowners or residents who are seeding a new lawn or laying sod can apply phosphorus during the growing season when the grass is being established, or if soil tests show that the lawn is deficient in phosphorus. The new law also has additional restrictions on all types of turf fertilizer, which now cannot be applied to frozen ground or to impervious surfaces such as driveways or sidewalks whether it is done intentionally or not.
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