DATE:   7/25/96
WRITER: Bob Polomski, (864) 656-2604

Lawn Fertilizer Can Pollute Waterways

     Q:  My lawn goes right up to the street curb. Whenever I
fertilize, a lot of fertilizer goes into the street. How can I
apply fertilizer more accurately?
     A:  Your concern is well-founded and admirable. Accurate
application of fertilizers is very important. 
     A little fertilizer is a small amount of pollutant, but when
you multiply that amount by hundreds of thousands of homes, a
little fertilizer can become a big water pollutant.
     With the next rain, fertilizer spilled by homeowners on any
pavement, especially streets, is likely to wash into storm
drains, which are directly connected to our natural waterways.
      To apply the correct amount of fertilizer to your lawn,
follow the spreader setting instructions for your particular
spreader on the fertilizer bag.  
     If your spreader is not listed on the label, learn how to
calibrate your spreader by referring to "Home Lawn Care,"
Extension Circular 687, for instructions.
     When fertilizing near pavement, try using a drop spreader
instead of a rotary or cyclone spreader, which has a rotating
disc that throws out fertilizer in an arc pattern as it is
pushed. This gives you more control over where your fertilizer is
landing. 
     Second, if you do spill any fertilizer on the pavement,
get out a broom and sweep it back onto the lawn or into a dustpan
for later use. Never sweep fertilizer down the storm drain.
     Remember, warm-season grasses --Bermudagrass,
centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass and zoysiagrass -- are
fertilized May through August. Fertilize cool-season grasses,
like tall fescue, September through January -- Bob Polomski,
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service consumer
horticulturist
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     If you have gardening questions or comments, write to
Agricultural News & Publications, A-101 Poole Agricultural 
Center, Box 340311, Clemson University, Clemson, S.C. 29634-0311
                               END