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To protect Wisconsin’s lakes, streams and rivers from phosphorus runoff beginning April 1, Wisconsin residents can no longer apply turf fertilizer that contains phosphorus to their lawns, except in limited instances, under a new law that affects retailers as well.

The restriction, according to a press release from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, also applies to professional lawn and landscape businesses, golf courses and municipalities.

“The new law makes it illegal for Wisconsin retailers to display turf fertilizer that is labeled as containing phosphorus or available phosphate,” said Charlene Khazae, the Department’s fertilizer program manager. Retailers can post a sign that indicates fertilizer with phosphorus is available upon request.

Fertilizer products carry three numbers that indicate the amount of nitrogen, phosphorous and potash in the product, commonly referred to as N-P-K no fax cash advance. The middle number, which represents the amount of phosphorus ‘P,’ should be zero.

Fertilizer that contains phosphorus can still be used in agricultural production, pastures and home gardens.

Similar restrictions already exist in places such as Dane County, some counties in Michigan and Florida and in the state of Minnesota.

Additional restrictions for all types of turf fertilizer, no matter if it contains phosphorus or not, include: no application of fertilizer can be made to frozen ground or surfaces like driveways or sidewalks

For more information about the turf fertilizer law, visit www.datcp.state.wi.us and search ‘turf fertilizer.’

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