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Urban Fertilizer, Groundwater and Environmental Stewardship

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Presentation on theme: "Urban Fertilizer, Groundwater and Environmental Stewardship"— Presentation transcript:

1 Urban Fertilizer, Groundwater and Environmental Stewardship
Clyde Graham January 14, 2011

2 Fertilizer and the Environment
The problem is when you have too much of a good thing in the wrong place Air pollution—ammonia losses to the air Greenhouse gas—N2O emissions Bluegreen Algae—Phosphorus and nitrogen losses to lakes, rivers, oceans Groundwater contamination--nitrates

3 Groundwater in the News - PEI
Pace on P.E.I. nitrate pollution 'glacial' Monday, August 16, 2010 | CBC News Agriculture, watersheds focus of nitrates report Wednesday, July 9, 2008 | CBC News NITRATE COMMISSION REPORT PROVIDED TO ISLANDERS News Releases, Tuesday, July 8, Premier's Office Prince Edward Island Agriculture Gets Federal Investment to Improve and Protect Water Resources Feb 16, 2009 Marketwire GOVERNMENT OF CANADA BOOSTS ENVIRONMENTAL EFFORTS IN ISLAND AGRICULTURE News release, November 2007, AAFC

4 Groundwater in the News - Ontario
Well testing in Ontario County reveals health risk Dec 27, 2010 Messenger Post Ground Water Monitoring Wells Test Higher Than Normal For Nitrate  News Release, August 12, 2009 Grey Bruce Health Unit   Nitrate geochemistry of a regional aquifer in an agricultural landscape, Woodstock, Ontario, Canada Dru J. Heagle*, Ramon Aravena*, Sherry L. Schiff*, David Rudolph*, 26  October  2002 *University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada Nitrate-N concentrations during the Summers of 1980 and 1981 exceeded 10 mg/1 in 68 of the 164 ground-water samples collected from a shallow water-table aquifer underlying a sand plain near Alliston, Ontario…….These data suggest that the use of commercial nitrogen fertilizer is a major source of nitrate in the aquifer. (Nitrate Distribution in the Ground Water of the Alliston Region of Ontario, Canada A. R. Hill,† Article first published online: 21 MAR 2006 DOI:  /j tb01389.x Ground Water Volume 20, Issue 6, pages 696–702, November 1982)

5 Matching Nutrients With Crop Needs to Reduce Nitrogen Leaching
There is clear evidence of the relationship between groundwater nitrate levels and fertilizer application rates. The key principle of nutrient management planning is to apply only the fertilizer or manure that can be absorbed by the crop and apply it at the right time. An effective nutrient management plan will optimize the crop yield and quality, minimize fertilizer costs and manure use, and protect soil and water. Matching Nutrients With Crop Needs to Reduce Nitrogen Leaching: The departments responsible for agriculture and environment develop a nutrient management/accounting program for crop and livestock producers to ensure that nitrate levels in the soil during leaching periods are maintained at or below acceptable levels. There is clear evidence of the relationship between groundwater nitrate levels and fertilizer application rates. If too much fertilizer or manure is applied – or if it is applied at a time when it cannot be absorbed by the crop – excess nitrates will leach into groundwater and nearby rivers and streams. In Prince Edward Island, this is a problem mainly in potato production areas. The key principle of nutrient management planning is to apply only the fertilizer or manure that can be absorbed by the crop and apply it at the right time. An effective nutrient management plan will optimize the crop yield and quality, minimize fertilizer costs and manure use, and protect soil and water. Other best management practices that may be incorporated in a nutrient management/accounting program include three-year crop rotation; plowing forage land that contains legumes in spring rather than Commission on Nitrates in Groundwater ix fall to prevent nitrogen from leaching into groundwater over the winter; using a cover crop to trap excess nitrogen left in the soil after potato harvest; and increasing forest cover.

6 Aquifers

7 In Canada, 8. 9 million people, or 30
In Canada, 8.9 million people, or 30.3% of the population, rely on groundwater for domestic use.

8 Health Concerns The major health concern related to elevated nitrate levels in drinking water is methemoglobinemia or blue-baby syndrome. Water with over 10 parts per million nitrate-nitrogen can cause methemoglobinemia (inability of the blood to supply oxygen) in infants and other health effects. Concerns have been raised about possible links between nitrates and other illnesses, particularly some types of cancer and birth defects. Many studies have attempted to link these health effects to nitrates in drinking water. However, results have been inconclusive. The major health concern related to elevated nitrate levels in drinking water is methemoglobinemia or blue-baby syndrome. This is a potentially fatal condition in which the blood’s ability to carry oxygen is reduced, causing a blue discolouration of the skin and shortness of breath. It can primarily affect bottlefed infants under six months of age. There have never been any reported cases of blue-baby syndrome in Prince Edward Island. Concerns have been raised about possible links between nitrates and other illnesses, particularly some types of cancer and birth defects. Many studies have attempted to link these health effects to nitrates in drinking water. However, results have been inconclusive. There is no consensus about the health risks associated with nitrate intake. More research is needed on the role of nitrates as a risk factor for cancer and other illnesses. But clearly, we should take necessary precautions to protect our water from further nitrate contamination.

9 Nitrate (NO3-) is highly soluble
In porous, sandy, course soils it leach downward and contaminate groundwater supplies. Water with over 10 parts per million nitrate- nitrogen can cause methemoglobinemia (inability of the blood to supply oxygen) in infants and other health effects. Most problems have been traced to animal manure, septic tank sources, or fertilizer spills. However, over-application of nitrogen fertilizer can also contribute to nitrate pollution, (University of Minnesota Extension)

10 2008 Report of the Commission on Nitrates in Groundwater, PEI
Reducing Nitrate Contamination From Cosmetic Use of Fertilizers Issue: All fertilizers can contribute to nitrate contamination of groundwater. Background: Homeowner use of fertilizers is a relatively small contributor to the overall nitrate contamination of ground and surface water in Prince Edward Island. Nonetheless, the practice of fertilizing lawns is widespread in urban and rural areas and contributes to nitrate contamination of the environment. Recommendation: It is recommended that there be a province-wide policy to reduce the use of fertilizers for cosmetic purposes. Reducing Nitrate Contamination From Cosmetic Use of Fertilizers Issue: All fertilizers can contribute to nitrate contamination of groundwater. Background: Homeowner use of fertilizers is a relatively small contributor to the overall nitrate contamination of ground and surface water in Prince Edward Island. Nonetheless, the practice of fertilizing lawns is widespread in urban and rural areas and contributes to nitrate contamination of the environment. Provincial and Federal Government offices apply fertilizers around public buildings and in parks. Golf courses apply fertilizers to maintain the aesthetics of their greens and fairways. The potential to over-apply fertilizers in the absence of a soil test is widespread, and this “over-application” will be washed into storm drains and drainage ditches, or leach into groundwater. In some jurisdictions, the application of fertilizers on lawns has been banned, or else is accompanied by restrictions. Such restrictions do not apply to fertilizers used on agricultural crops, flower and vegetable gardens, or on golf courses. Restricting the use of fertilizers for lawn care would help reduce nitrate loading in the environment, and sensitize Islanders to the environmental impact of fertilizer over-use. Commercial lawn applicators would be required to follow any rules that are developed. Most Island golf courses use only slow release fertilizers which can be applied at much higher rates and with fewer applications throughout the season. Golf courses want to avoid the growth surge experienced with the use of fast release fertilizers; keeping a large area properly mowed, and therefore playable, becomes impossible. There are three other reasons slow-release fertilizers are preferred: • economics – relatively short residual response from fast release fertilizers leads to more frequent applications and more fertilizer purchases; • fast release fertilizers have a high potential for foliar burns; and • course superintendents are aware of the environmental impact of nitrate leaching and run-off and that this is less likely with the use of slow release fertilizers. Experience has shown there are best management practices that all cosmetic fertilizer users could adopt to minimize nitrate leaching. These practices apply equally to the cosmetic use of fertilizers by urban and rural homeowners as well as to all golf courses. Recommendation: 4.1 It is recommended that there be a province-wide policy to reduce the use of fertilizers for cosmetic purposes. A good example of effective management practices in this respect is applied at the Links at Crowbush Cove.

11 AAFC Over-Application or Improper Storage of Manure or Fertilizer Manure or fertilizer that is applied to land at a greater rate than growing crops can utilize the nutrients can result in nitrates leaching into groundwater. Fertilizer that is applied to lawns or gardens at excessive rates may also contribute. Prevention: Balance the nutrient requirements of your crops with the nutrient content of the manure or fertilizer. Conduct regular soil and manure tests and maintain accurate records of application. Storage of manure concentrates nutrients in one location which can increase risk of contamination. Prevention: Manure storage facilities should be designed and constructed correctly. Over-Application or Improper Storage of Manure or Fertilizer Manure or fertilizer that is applied to land at a greater rate than growing crops can utilize the nutrients can result in nitrates leaching into groundwater. Fertilizer that is applied to lawns or gardens at excessive rates may also contribute. Prevention: Balance the nutrient requirements of your crops with the nutrient content of the manure or fertilizer. Conduct regular soil and manure tests and maintain accurate records of application. Storage of manure concentrates nutrients in one location which can increase risk of contamination. Prevention: Manure storage facilities should be designed and constructed correctly.

12 Nitrate risk factors Nitrogen rate - One study showed that at one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, no leaching occurred. Nitrogen source - Slow-release fertilizers are a nitrogen source that can reduce the chance of leaching. Application timing - In late fall, plants take up less nitrogen and there is a greater chance for leaching to occur. Irrigation practices - The more irrigation that takes place the greater the chances for nitrate leaching. Soil texture - The sandier the soil the more chance for nitrate leaching. Age of site - Younger sites usually have less organic matter and need to be fertilized more therefore increasing the chance of leaching. (Bocher, 1995)

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14 Urban Fertilizer Council
Members: Scotts Sure-Gro Agrium Advanced Technologies Stewardship focus Educate homeowners, public Provide tools to municipal officials Low P standard

15 4R Urban Stewardship Industry has been working with Canadian Food Inspection Agency for a number of years 4R type stewardship messages will be mandatory on all lawn fertilizer in Canada by Dec. 31, 2013 with garden products to follow Companies will implement with package redesign >> Branding window limited Messaging will reach ~10 million households

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17 Best Management Practices
Right Product – Use the correct fertilizer for your soil conditions Have your soil tested every couple of years to determine what type of fertilizer nutrients are needed When purchasing your own fertilizer, look for products that contain slowly available nitrogen. Slowly available nitrogen can be found in organic and synthetic forms Carefully read and follow the directions on the fertilizer bag. Those directions are there to ensure the best results for your lawn and the environment

18 Best Management Practices
Right Rate - Use the right amount of fertilizer Follow fertilizer rate recommendations. More is not always better Too much fertilizer can result in burning and yellow strips in your lawn Use a good quality spreader and make sure to check the setting

19 Best Management Practices
Right Time – Use fertilizer at the right time of the year Know your lawn and the grass variety. Different grass varieties require different fertilizer timings for best results Lawns go through a normal period of dormancy during the driest parts of summer. During that time, you should not fertilizer your lawn – let it rest During dormancy, reduce the amount of foot-traffic and stop mowing. As the rain returns grass will green up in days Fertilizer shouldn’t be applied when the ground is frozen or just before a heavy rain is expected

20 Best Management Practices
Right Place – Make sure fertilizer stays where it has the most benefit to your lawn and the least impact on the environment and our waterways Keep fertilizer off hard surfaces such as driveways, patios and sidewalks. Clean up any spills immediately Leave a small strip unfertilized on the edge of the lawn Avoid fertilizing steep slopes or gullies Keep fertilizer away from run-off into storm sewers, rivers, lakes and ponds Fertilizer should only be used as a source of nutrients for lawns and gardens. Fertilizer should not be used to de-ice walkways and driveways

21 Lawn Care Practices in Ontario
More than 50% fertilized their lawn last year Only 14% use a service – unchanged since 1995 Most people make two applications per year 75% changed their lawn care practices in the past year: most common change was to hand weed Trigger to buy = retail flyers & front of store placement EDUCATION CAN DRIVE BEST PRACTICES Source: Ipsos Reid November 2009

22 Lawn Fertilizer BMPs Read the bag Know the size of your lawn
Buy what you need Use it up following label directions Right product. Right rate. Right place. Right time. Choose the right product Share or store leftover fertilizer for next year

23 Education on Package Choose the right product for the job. Read the label for best practices – Right rate! Keep from water, hard surfaces – Right place! Don’t use when rainfall expected – Right time! The bag is the number one source of information for fertilizer users: 43% Source: Ipsos Reid November 2009

24 Thank You


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