Natural Fertilizers
The Vernon Conservation Commission's Role:
In applications which border our precious waterways, we request the "use of natural, organic fertilizers only and the application of herbicides to be limited to a single application in the spring and another in the fall".
What Kind of Fertilizer and Pesticide Regulation is Happening in other Connecticut Towns?
The citizens of Plainville have 47 residential properties totaling over 16 acres that are pesticide free, as part of a voluntary non-use resolution passed on 7/18/05.
In an editorial by the Hartford Courant published August 10, 2006-- "Let us not spray", it described how the Plainville town council has voted unanimously to ban synthetic fertilizers and pesticides from Padrewski Park. It also mentions that the State DEP is preparing materials to help train town officials in organic lawn care, and is initiating a pilot program that will measure the costs & maintenance requirements of "green" parks. The DEP does not use pesticides or fertilizers in state parks.
Here are some link that you can read further on this topic:
Environment and Human Health Inc - www.ehhi.org/
Beyond Pesticides - www.beyondpesticides.org
Grassroots Coalition - www.grassrootinfo.org
Chemical vs. Natural Lawn Fertilizers
Many people simply don't realize the damage that chemical fertilizers can do to your lawn, your family, your pets and your groundwater. They also don't realize many of the benefits offered by organic methods, even beyond that of the non-toxic nature of such methods.
Chemical Care:
Positive Aspects:
• Heavy spring application of nitrogen concentrated fertilizer makes lawn grow faster, greener, and fuller than without it.
• "-icides" provide a quick control of pest, weed and disease problems through eradication.
Negative Aspects:
• Water solubility of chemical fertilizer leads to quick release. Lawn only receives benefit of about half of application
• The half that is received causes a spring growth spurt which depletes lawn's carbohydrate reserves for times of stress.
• Excessive nitrogen application tends to lessen a lawn's natural self-sufficiency. Lawn grows short roots and relies upon fertilizer to sustain itself.
• Any chemicals used will slow or halt natural decomposition processes so that thatch can accumulate.
• Increased soil acidity from chemicals forces earthworms & micro-organisms to emigrate from soil. These organisms normally would assist in aeration and decomposition processes.
• Most grasses do not take well to the high acidity levels in chemically maintained soils.
• EPA registration of a chemical does not imply that the chemical has been proven to be safe. Many used regularly by lawn-maintenance companies are possible carcinogens and could also cause nervous system damage. See this link for more information: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/about/types.htm
• In adults, pesticides are linked to increased risk of cancers of the pancreas, breast, prostrate, kidney/bladder, eye, colon-rectum, infertility, Parkinson's disease, and damage to the brain, lungs, kidneys and liver as well as the endocrine, nervous and immune systems.
• For pets, 4 lawn applications a year of 2 4-D double a dog's risk of getting canine malignant lymphoma.
Natural Care:
Positive Aspects:
• Water insolubility of natural fertilizers provides for slow release so that lawn has time to benefit from whole of application.
• Result of slow release is no rapid growth spurt to deplete the lawn's carbohydrate reserves.
• Lower percentage of nitrogen, in proportion to other nutrients in fertilizer, lets lawn remain independent with strong root systems.
• Natural fertilizers will maintain or increase the rate of decomposition by adding beneficial micro-organisms.
• Natural fertilizers and top-dressing create little or no pH change (no acidity increase). Therefore, earthworms and microorganisms remain to maintain soil.
• Grasses will thrive at neutral pH levels which are created by eliminating chemical applications from lawn maintenance.
• Natural fertilizers and chemical-free control measures will not harm you, your family, your friends, your pets, or your lawn. You can sleep soundly knowing that your lawn is healthy and those you care about are safe.
Negative Aspects:
• Moderate application of natural fertilizer takes a bit longer to achieve the lush, green lawn you want in the spring.
• Chemical-free control measures do not completely eradicate weeds and pests.