Millstone Times July 2022

HOME IMPROVEMENT Joseph J. Carbin Plumbing 609-259-2235

We Service:

Septic Pumping Water Conditioning Water Heaters • Well Pumps

SERVICING CNJ SINCE 1960 FamilyOwned & Operated Born &Raised in Millstone Township EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE I I Lic #9615 • Master Plumber NJ Lic # B109615

Blackout Dates for Lawn Fertilizer Use

On January 5, 2011, Governor Chris Christie signed into law one of the most restrictive fertilizer con tent standards in the nation for nitrogen and phosphorus. The law is being implemented in three phases. nt into effect when the law was signed and requires the use of best management practices to reduce the impacts of fertilizers on waterways, and public education regarding correct fertilizer use. Phase II initiated the creation of a certification program for professional fertilizer applicators and lawn care providers. Phase III requires manufacturers to reformulate fertilizers. Why are these efforts important? Nitrogen and phosphorus are nutrients required for plant growth. A limited amount of these nutrients is important for healthy plant life. An overabundance, however, not only can harm lawns but when washed into waterways stimulates excessive algae and weed growth. This in turn, depletes oxygen from the water and reduces the sunlight needed for healthy aquatic life. The NJ Department of Environmental Protection would like to thank the members of the Healthy Lawns Healthy Waters Workgroup and the NJ Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers Universi ty for their continued cooperation, guidance, and support. Fertilizer is best applied when turf needs plant food and is actively growing. Blackout dates are the days that fertilizer cannot be applied. The reason for this is because the risk of fertilizer runoff or leachate into ground water is more likely when the ground is frozen. Homeowners: You cannot apply fertilizer after November 15 and before March 1 in any calendar year.

Commercial Fertilizer Applicators: You must complete your customer service cycle of late fall nitrogen or phosphorus fertilization by December 1 and then fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus cannot be applied again until March 1. All other materials, such as products containing potassium, lime, and composts are still legal to apply during the blackout dates.

20 The Millstone Times

July 2022