Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology:

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Tampa Bay Region Model Ordinance Discussions of
Research
Dr. Terril Nell, Director, Center for Landscape
Conservation and Ecology Dr. George Hochmuth,
Associate Dean for Research
The IFAS Landscape Research Team
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The Model OrdinancesCommon Goal

• Several groups working on solving the problem
• Counties and municipalities
• Statewide FDEP model ordinance
• Statewide FDACS fertilizer rule
• Legislature consumer fertilizer task force

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We all agree We need culture change
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Tampa Bay Region Draft Model Ordinance from Tampa
Bay Estuary Program

• Using science to protect the environment
• No P fertilizer applied without valid soil test
• No N fertilizer within 30 days of laying sod
• Fertilize at lowest rates recommended

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Fertilizer-free buffer zones
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Negligible fertilizer movement from properly
applied fertilizer
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200 linear feet X 5 feet wide mower 1,000
ft2 2,000 grams clippings (dry weight) 3.5
nitrogen in the clippings 70 grams nitrogen
0.15 lbs nitrogen
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Do not apply fertilizer to impervious surfaces
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Sloppy application of fertilizer

• Even with controlled-release fertilizers
• Even at commercial and public settings
• Controlled-release fertilizer in crevices is a
  waste and contributes to storm water runoff

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Transition image
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Tampa Bay Region Draft Model Ordinance from Tampa
Bay Estuary Program

• An area of concern, possibly unintended
  consequences
• The Restricted Season from June 1st to September
  30th
• Some scientific considerations

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Biology and ecology of turfgrass in the
lawn-research results

• Turf growth during the year
• Root growth during the year
• Nutrient uptake during the year

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Warm-season turfgrass growth in the year
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What happens to nutrients in a well-managed
landscape?
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Lysimeters buried in center of each plot
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Total N Leaching inEstablished Floratam St.
Augustinegrass 2006
Total Nitrate, mg M-2
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UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCESHuman nature

• Overfertilization on the side
• Use of stashed quick release to correct perceived
  problem

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Loss of turf vigor and stand could lead to
increased leaching
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Lower root mass in spring and fall may lead to
more leaching
Percentage of N Applied Leached ()
Days UAN 1/30
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Percentage of N Applied Leached ()
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Irrigation management is important for
preventing leaching and runoff
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Our suggestions are for a flexible restricted
period

• Allow some flexibility during the restricted
  period to correct a diagnosed nutrition problem
• Tissue testing
• Soil testing
• Small fertilizer application only under specified
  conditions
• Teachable moments-change culture

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Where do we go from here?

• We need watershed and springs friendly
  fertilizers
• Focus on proper fertilization practices
• Focus on irrigation management
• Educate the consumer, commercial applicators, and
  retail establishments

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Tampa Bay Region Model Ordinance Discussions of
Research
Contact Us Dr. Terril Nell .tanell_at_ufl.edu Dr.
George Hochmuth.hoch_at_ufl.edu