Reducing Pollution at Its Source. Laurie Albrecht UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Extension Agent Palm Beach County

Transcription

1 Reducing Pollution at Its Source Laurie Albrecht UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Extension Agent Palm Beach County

2 University of Florida Initiative #2: Enhancing and protecting water quality, quantity and supply Three priorities Water conservation Water quality Public awareness

3 Florida Friendly Landscaping Program

4 Goals of the GI-BMP Program Reduce off-site transport of sediment, nutrients, and pesticides to surface water or groundwater Direct the use of appropriate site design and plant selection Direct the use of appropriate rates and methods of applying fertilizer and irrigation to prevent pollution, conserve water, and promote healthy plants Direct the use of integrated pest management (IPM) to minimize pests and apply chemicals only when appropriate

5 Target of GI-BMP Program Landscape and irrigation professionals Local government employees Administrators of environmental quality issues Public administrators

6 Mission of GI-BMP Program To train, support, and certify landscape professionals through the use of Florida Friendly Landscaping GI-BMP program

7 GI-BMP Training Workshops Six-hour class focusing on reducing nonpoint source pollution Overview of the problem Local Florida Friendly Fertilizer ordinances Modules in proper plant care, fertilizers, irrigation and pesticides Classes and tests given in English, Spanish and Creole

8 Professional Landscape Management Program When fertilizers are and aren t needed Fertilizer ordinances Proper turfgrass nutrition Integrated pest management (IPM) Four-hour hands on training class: How to read a fertilizer label How to calibrate a backpack sprayer How to calibrate a fertilizer spreader How to do the math

9 Local Florida Friendly Fertilizer Ordinances Unincorporated Palm Beach County 29 of its 39 municipalities Note: Some municipalities do not post ordinances)

10 Residential Training in Fertilizers Master Gardener Trainees Save Money on Your Landscape (3-Week Class)

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12 The Dark Side of the Lagoon

13 Nonpoint Source Pollution When pollution that comes from a wide area contaminates water bodies

14 Common Sources of Pollution: Old, Leaky Septic Tanks

15 Common Sources of Pollution: Animal Waste

16 Common Sources of Pollution: Plastics & Microplastics

17 Common Sources of Pollution: Nitrogen & Phosphorous From Misapplied Fertilizers

18 Leaching Pet waste, oils, misapplied fertilizers & pesticides & other contaminants can enter groundwater/aquifers through downward flow of water

19 L Albrecht Stormwater Runoff

20 Nonpoint Source Pollution Can Lead To: Low visibility Algal blooms from higher nutrients Fish kills from lower dissolved oxygen Toxicity from heavy metals Health risks from fecal coliform bacteria Decrease in tourism

21 Improper Disposal

22 Florida State Law Anyone who applies fertilizer commercially (for hire) must have a certificate from the state while making applications UF/D Rainney

23 Ways to Reduce Pollution at the Source for Gardeners Follow local fertilizer ordinances Check to see if professionals have proper licenses and certificates Recycle yard waste leave clippings on lawn Plant slow-growing, properly-sized trees to reduce pruning needs Compost Practice IPM

24 Check to see that commercial fertilizer applicators have appropriate fertilizer certificate

25 Follow Local Fertilizer Ordinances Prohibited periods Apply at label & UF/IFAS recommended rates Use deflector shield at all times if using rotary spreader (some ordinances) Keep clippings and yard debris away from storm drains Sweep up spilled fertilizer from hard surfaces Don t apply fertilizer before applying sod

26 Florida Friendly Fertilizer Ordinance Establish a 10 fertilizer-free zone around water bodies (3 if using a deflector shield)

27 What the Research Shows Healthy turfgrass absorbs the majority of nutrients applied at recommended rates, minimizing leaching and runoff Best management practices reduce leaching due to depth and architecture of root system and minimizes runoff a result of restricted waterflow Absorption of nutrients is greatest during periods of active growth Irrigation at IFAS recommended levels supports the growth of turfgrass leaves and roots, which subsequently reduces leaching and runoff since the roots Proper fertilization is needed to maintain a strong, healthy turfgrass and deep root system