Report from University of Florida questions effectiveness of seasonal fertilizer bans

A new report from the University of Florida argues there isn’t enough research to determine whether seasonal fertilizer bans help stop pollution from dumping into Florida waterways.

The state-commissioned report by the university’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, born from a lobbying effort by the TruGreen lawn care company, also suggests a widespread, potentially yearslong study is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of fertilizer bans.

Environmental groups fear that possible study could be the reason lawmakers may push to extend an ongoing pause on any new fertilizer bans, which was approved last summer and runs until July 1 this year.

But one of the scientists whose research was cited in the report told the Tampa Bay Times that it omits one of her study’s findings — that applying fertilizer less frequently was significantly correlated with lower nitrogen pollution.

Five current and former local government officials from across Florida told the Times fertilizer bans are helping their communities decrease pollution that can fuel harmful algal blooms like red tide or toxic blue-green sludge.

Across Florida, roughly 100 municipalities have adopted summer rainy-season fertilizer bans. Pinellas County’s fertilizer ordinance became law in 2010. One of the county’s main legislative priorities this year is to support efforts to keep counties in charge of their fertilizer bans, according to spokesperson Tony Fabrizio.

The county believes the ordinance is an effective way to curb nutrient pollution from entering waterways like Tampa Bay, Fabrizio said.

This story originated on The Tampa Bay Times webpage. To read it in full, and the University of Florida report, click here.