Use Fertilizer Wisely
When we overuse fertilizer, toxic levels of chemicals can wash off our driveway, find their way into storm drains, or leach into groundwater, which can pose threats to our ocean and its organisms. (Needless to say, this is also where we swim, boat, snorkel, and paddle.)
Fortunately, here’s what you can do to reduce your fertilizer footprint.
Test Your Soil
Do a soil test to find out what nutrients your soil may need, what type of fertilizer to use, how much to apply, and how often. This step can also save you time and money—and who doesn’t want that. Tip: A common misconception is that all plants need fertilizer. Sure, plants need nutrients, but adding fertilizer isn’t always the solution.
Purchase a soil test kit from your local hardware store. Or submit a soil sample to CTAHR (University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources). Click here for instructions. Note: Be sure to ask CTAHR to give you “organic recommendations,” which take ocean health considerations into account. For more information, contact CTAHR in Maui County via email or call 808-244-3242, ext. 228.
Add Compost
Use compost to supply key nutrients to your plants, while also recycling yard clippings and household waste from produce. Experts recommend generous and frequent applications, which can improve the quality of soil, the ability for soil to retain moisture, and to prevent excessive weed growth. Click here for CTAHR’s tips on backyard composting or purchase ready-made compost from Maui Earth Compost Inc. in Wailuku.
Choose Organic Fertilizer
Organic fertilizers are made from minerals or natural ingredients, such as seaweed. These products typically have lower N-P-K percentages (nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium)—nutrients that when in excess, can cause the growth of algae that harms our coral reefs. Learn how to understand a fertilizer label here. Organic fertilizers are also slow-release, which means they distribute nutrients when water is present, and
typically require less frequent applications.
The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) is a nonprofit that takes products under rigorous review to ensure that they comply with USDA organic standards. Visit their web site to see their OMRI List of over 2,500 products.
Choose Slow-Release Fertilizers
Although slow-release products contain synthetic chemicals, they provide nutrients gradually over a period of time, which helps keep nutrients in your yard and not in the ocean. Similar to organic fertilizer, slow-release products allow you to fertilize less frequently, and because slow-release fertilizer commonly contains lower N-P-K percentages, it’s easier to avoid overdoing it.
Follow The Fertilizer Label
No matter what type of plants or lawn you have, never apply more fertilizer than what is listed on the label. Excess fertilizer can actually stress your plants, which may result in pest and disease issues. Here’s an easy tip sheet that demystifies fertilizer labels—and helps you follow
instructions.
Apply Fertilizer Carefully
If heavy rain is predicted, pick another day to apply, and head for the movies. (This keeps fertilizer out of the ocean and money in your pocket.)
If fertilizer gets on sidewalks or other paved surfaces, sweep it into the yard or grass.
Avoid Weed and Feed Products
Weed and feed products combine a fertilizer and an herbicide, regardless of whether you need both. (Can you say overkill?)
Fact:
Applying excess fertilizer containing phosphorous and nitrogen can affect our ocean by causing “eutrophication,” a condition where high levels of nutrients cause algae blooms, which in turn reduce the level of dissolved oxygen available in the water supply, causing harm to ocean life.
Fortunately, here’s what you can do to reduce your fertilizer footprint.
Test Your Soil
Do a soil test to find out what nutrients your soil may need, what type of fertilizer to use, how much to apply, and how often. This step can also save you time and money—and who doesn’t want that. Tip: A common misconception is that all plants need fertilizer. Sure, plants need nutrients, but adding fertilizer isn’t always the solution.
Purchase a soil test kit from your local hardware store. Or submit a soil sample to CTAHR (University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources). Click here for instructions. Note: Be sure to ask CTAHR to give you “organic recommendations,” which take ocean health considerations into account. For more information, contact CTAHR in Maui County via email or call 808-244-3242, ext. 228.
Add Compost
Use compost to supply key nutrients to your plants, while also recycling yard clippings and household waste from produce. Experts recommend generous and frequent applications, which can improve the quality of soil, the ability for soil to retain moisture, and to prevent excessive weed growth. Click here for CTAHR’s tips on backyard composting or purchase ready-made compost from Maui Earth Compost Inc. in Wailuku.
Choose Organic Fertilizer
Organic fertilizers are made from minerals or natural ingredients, such as seaweed. These products typically have lower N-P-K percentages (nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium)—nutrients that when in excess, can cause the growth of algae that harms our coral reefs. Learn how to understand a fertilizer label here. Organic fertilizers are also slow-release, which means they distribute nutrients when water is present, and
typically require less frequent applications.
The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) is a nonprofit that takes products under rigorous review to ensure that they comply with USDA organic standards. Visit their web site to see their OMRI List of over 2,500 products.
Choose Slow-Release Fertilizers
Although slow-release products contain synthetic chemicals, they provide nutrients gradually over a period of time, which helps keep nutrients in your yard and not in the ocean. Similar to organic fertilizer, slow-release products allow you to fertilize less frequently, and because slow-release fertilizer commonly contains lower N-P-K percentages, it’s easier to avoid overdoing it.
Follow The Fertilizer Label
No matter what type of plants or lawn you have, never apply more fertilizer than what is listed on the label. Excess fertilizer can actually stress your plants, which may result in pest and disease issues. Here’s an easy tip sheet that demystifies fertilizer labels—and helps you follow
instructions.
Apply Fertilizer Carefully
If heavy rain is predicted, pick another day to apply, and head for the movies. (This keeps fertilizer out of the ocean and money in your pocket.)
If fertilizer gets on sidewalks or other paved surfaces, sweep it into the yard or grass.
Avoid Weed and Feed Products
Weed and feed products combine a fertilizer and an herbicide, regardless of whether you need both. (Can you say overkill?)
Fact:
Applying excess fertilizer containing phosphorous and nitrogen can affect our ocean by causing “eutrophication,” a condition where high levels of nutrients cause algae blooms, which in turn reduce the level of dissolved oxygen available in the water supply, causing harm to ocean life.