What is the most environmentally responsible way to manage fertilizer near waterways?

What is the most environmentally responsible way to manage fertilizer near waterways?

• A. Both use slow-release nitrogen and sweep fertilizer back onto turf
• B. Apply fertilizer near waterways during rain
• C. Use fast-release nitrogen only
• D. Do not fertilize at all

Answer: (A)

To protect waterways, the best approach combines two practices that reduce nutrient losses while still feeding the turf. Slow-release nitrogen releases nutrients gradually, so there’s less chance they wash away during rain or irrigation and enter water bodies. Sweeping fertilizer back onto the turf catches any material that lands on pavement or other non-target surfaces and returns it to the soil where plants can use it, further cutting runoff. Other options increase the risk: applying near waterways during rain boosts runoff; relying only on fast-release nitrogen delivers nutrients quickly that can be lost before uptake; not fertilizing at all avoids nutrient losses but can leave turf undernourished. Together, slow-release nitrogen plus sweeping back overspray minimizes environmental impact while maintaining turf health.

To protect waterways, the best approach combines two practices that reduce nutrient losses while still feeding the turf. Slow-release nitrogen releases nutrients gradually, so there’s less chance they wash away during rain or irrigation and enter water bodies. Sweeping fertilizer back onto the turf catches any material that lands on pavement or other non-target surfaces and returns it to the soil where plants can use it, further cutting runoff. Other options increase the risk: applying near waterways during rain boosts runoff; relying only on fast-release nitrogen delivers nutrients quickly that can be lost before uptake; not fertilizing at all avoids nutrient losses but can leave turf undernourished. Together, slow-release nitrogen plus sweeping back overspray minimizes environmental impact while maintaining turf health.