Which fertilizer practice helps prevent nutrient runoff near water bodies?

Which fertilizer practice helps prevent nutrient runoff near water bodies?

• A. Use slow-release nitrogen and sweep fertilizer back onto turf
• B. Apply large amounts quickly
• C. Apply fertilizer during heavy rain
• D. Avoid any fertilization

Answer: (A)

Preventing nutrient runoff near water bodies comes from controlling how and when nutrients become available to plants. Slow-release nitrogen releases fertilizer gradually, reducing the amount of soluble nitrogen in the soil at any moment and giving turf roots time to use it, which lowers the risk of it being washed away. Sweeping fertilizer back onto the turf keeps granules from being carried off onto sidewalks or into storm drains, especially during irrigation or rainfall. Together, these practices minimize the soluble nutrients that could runoff into nearby water bodies. In contrast, putting down large amounts quickly creates a surge of available nutrients that are easy to wash away; applying fertilizer during heavy rain dramatically increases runoff risk; avoiding fertilization altogether eliminates a nutrient source but isn’t a practical preventive practice for maintaining healthy turf.

Preventing nutrient runoff near water bodies comes from controlling how and when nutrients become available to plants. Slow-release nitrogen releases fertilizer gradually, reducing the amount of soluble nitrogen in the soil at any moment and giving turf roots time to use it, which lowers the risk of it being washed away. Sweeping fertilizer back onto the turf keeps granules from being carried off onto sidewalks or into storm drains, especially during irrigation or rainfall. Together, these practices minimize the soluble nutrients that could runoff into nearby water bodies.

In contrast, putting down large amounts quickly creates a surge of available nutrients that are easy to wash away; applying fertilizer during heavy rain dramatically increases runoff risk; avoiding fertilization altogether eliminates a nutrient source but isn’t a practical preventive practice for maintaining healthy turf.