Transcript Slide 1

Urban Fertilizer Council
Lethbridge, AB
September 2008
Communities in Bloom Sponsorship
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Urban Fertilizer Council
is excited to be a
national sponsor at this
year’s Conference
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Lawn and Garden Fertilizer is under scrutiny
We need to learn from the pesticide
experience
We have time, but not much
Major issue is water quality in cottage
country…
Food for Plants
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Plants can get the same essential nutrients
from several sources:
Manure
Compost
Bio-solids
Fertilizer
Food for Plants
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Plants can get the same essential nutrients
from several sources:
Manure
Compost
Bio-solids
Fertilizer
Fertilizer
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Is made from the air we breathe and mineral
deposits
Contains the same nutrients found in nature,
compost and manure
Allows for precise application
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium
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Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K)
are the major nutrients in fertilizers
Fertilizer is marked with three numbers, that
denote how much N-P-K is in the particular
package
Nitrogen
Nitrogen promotes growth and
that deep, lush green that draws
admiring looks. It is a staple in
most fertilizers
Phosphorus
Phosphorus promotes the
development of strong,
healthy roots, vibrant flowers,
seeds, early maturity, and a
normal healthy green colour
Potassium
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Plants use potassium in such functions as
photosynthesis, protein formation and water
use
Urban Fertilizer Council
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Members:
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Scotts
Sure-Gro
Agrium Advanced
Technologies
CFI
Stewardship focus
Educate homeowners,
public
Provide tools to municipal
officials
We’re all responsible
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All sources of plant nutrients, including
manure, composts and “organic” products,
need to used wisely
Using fertilizer is consistent with protecting the
environment
Everyone has a role to play
It’s not hard to keep lawns and the
environment healthy
Right Product@Right Rate, Right Time,
Right Place®
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The Council’s approach is
built around the Canadian
Fertilizer Institute’s Right
Product@Right Rate, Right
Time, Right Place system.
Developed for farmers…
But the basic principles of
the 4Rs applies to anyone
using fertilizer
Greener Lawns
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Keystone publication
Focused on town
councillors, parks and
rec managers
Stewardship message
Best Management Practice
Right Product – Use the correct fertilizer for your soil
conditions
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Have your soil tested every couple of years to determine
what type of fertilizer nutrients are needed
When purchasing your own fertilizer, look for products that
contain slowly available nitrogen. Slowly available nitrogen
can be found in organic and synthetic forms
Carefully read and follow the directions on the fertilizer bag.
Those directions are there to ensure the best results for
your lawn and the environment
Best Management Practice
Right Rate - Use the right amount of fertilizer
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Follow fertilizer rate recommendations. More is
not always better
Too much fertilizer can result in burning and
yellow strips in your lawn
Use a good quality spreader and make sure to
check the setting
Best Management Practice
Right Time – Use fertilizer at the right time of the
year
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Know your lawn and the grass variety. Different grass varieties
require different fertilizer timings for best results
Lawns go through a normal period of dormancy during the
driest parts of summer. During that time, you should not
fertilizer your lawn – let it rest
During dormancy, reduce the amount of foot-traffic and stop
mowing. As the rain returns grass will green up in 7-10 days
Fertilizer shouldn’t be applied when the ground is frozen or just
before a heavy rain is expected
Best Management Practice
Right Place – Make sure fertilizer stays where it has the
most benefit to your lawn and the least impact on the
environment and our waterways
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Keep fertilizer off hard surfaces such as driveways, patios
and sidewalks. Clean up any spills immediately
Leave a small strip unfertilized on the edge of the lawn
Avoid fertilizer steep slopes or in gullies
Avoid run-off into storm sewers, rivers, lakes and ponds
Fertilizer should only be used as a source of nutrients for
lawns and gardens. Fertilizer should not be used to de-ice
walkways and driveways
Well fertilized lawns
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Produce enough oxygen for a family of four
Have the same cooling power as four central
air conditioners
Provide safe play areas for kids
Compete with weeds
Prevent runoff and erosion