The Grass Doctor

Can over fertilizing lawns and fields result in Phosphorus build ups in streams and rivers?

If you fertilize your lawn to much can phosphorus build up in your cities water systems?

Public Comments

1. Phos from any fertilizer will end up in the water supply. Whether or not it will "build up" is a matter definition as what constitutes a "build up".
2. Of course. And that pollution affects us all.
3. of course. Not only that but it will burn your grass and make it yellow and die.
4. Yes...ferts from golf courses and residential lawns run off during overages of water and filter into sewers, lakes, streams, and our drinking water supply etc etc. Organic organic organic please
5. Yes, it does. Phosphorous causes algae to grow explosively in the water, and when the algae dies the decay process depletes oxygen and leads to dead zones in the Chesapeake and Gulf of Mexico, as well as local rivers. Agriculture is responsible for more of the pollution than lawns, but agriculture produces food, and lawns produce nothing. There are several ways to limit fertilizer pollution and still have nice grass. Using less fertilizer, slower release fertilizer, and not using it near creeks are a great start. Creeks should be bordered by trees, rather than grass. Many states have made it illegal to cut trees within a certain distance of creeks and rivers. Grass doesn't need much phosphorous, so using a fertilizer formulated for grass helps too. But nitrates also contribute to algae blooms. Adding trees, shrubs, and flowers that demand less fertilizer helps. Building rain gardens that cause rain to infiltrate through the soil rather than running over it helps tremendously. Finally, support family farmers and organic growers who take the time to know their land and use fertilizer carefully, rather than industrial agriculture. Factory meat farms aren't required to treat their sewage as much as human waste, and this is a huge source of pollution.