Reduce fertilizer use to protect water quality

People tell me they don't fertilize; they just use MiracleGro. They think it's a magic product, not a fertilizer. When people use fertilizers they don't understand or use too much of a product, there is the possibility of polluting our water system. How does fertilizer affect water quality and community health?

In Nevada's arid climate, water is a precious resource. In addition to having enough water for communities, it is essential that water be of good quality to support swimming, fishing, drinking, irrigating and other uses. Our everyday actions affect water quality.

Fertilizers supply nutrients to plants. These nutrients are compounds such as nitrogen and phosphorus that stimulate plant growth. Under optimal conditions, nutrients are beneficial and necessary. In high concentrations or if they are misapplied, they can become an environmental threat. Nitrogen contamination of drinking water can cause health problems, including "blue baby" syndrome.

Having too many nutrients in creeks, ponds or rivers can lead to algal blooms that can reduce water clarity. As the algae die and decay, they can create odors and rob waters of life-sustaining dissolved oxygen, which can result in fish kills. Nutrients in polluted runoff can come from home lawn and plant care products.

What can you do about this? Reduce the amount of pesticides and fertilizers you apply to your garden and lawn. Read and follow package directions carefully. Apply only what is needed. Another option is when designing your landscape, reduce grass areas and use plants that have low requirements for water, fertilizers and pesticides.

Another way to reduce waste is to compost yard trimmings. Compost is a valuable soil conditioner that gradually releases nutrients to lawns and gardens. Slow release fertilizers or compost put out small amounts of nutrients so runoff pollution is unlikely. Compost also helps retain moisture in the soil, helping you conserve water.

Leave lawn clippings on your lawn so nutrients are recycled into the lawn. This reduces the frequency and amount of fertilizers to apply and reduces yard waste that ends up in the landfill leaching excess nutrients into soil and water systems. The choices you make in your landscape or garden can help prevent water pollution or contribute to it.

JoAnne Skelly is the Carson City/Storey County Extension educator for University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.