What Was Used To Make Money And As Fertilizer In Sc?

Minimize Fertilizer Use!

Fertilizers Impact on Water Quality

Courtesy of Chris Ramaglia

An excess of nutrients, called eutrophication, can be detrimental to water quality and aquatic life. High nutrients can result in unwanted plant growth such as algae blooms. Some algae can be toxic to animals and humans. Red tides are one example, but coming into contact with some common pond algae can also expose you to harmful toxins. Thick layers of algae can also block sunlight from reaching the bottom of a pond or river, creating a dark and turbid environment for fish and other animals living in the water. Sunlight blocking algae blooms can also inhibit the growth of other important plants. Furthermore, excess plant growth means excess decomposition. As plants break down, oxygen in the water is consumed by bacteria and other microorganisms. In some instances, large algae blooms coincide with fish kills as dissolved oxygen becomes too low to support the breathing needs of fish. Fertilizers that we apply on land are a common source of the excess nutrients that are present in waterways. The most common chemicals found in fertilizers are nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (N?P?K), with nitrogen and phosphorous being particularly problematic for water quality. Reducing fertilizer use, or properly applying it only when necessary, can be highly beneficial to water quality.

Lawn Care Tips to Protect Water Quality

Have your soil tested to determine the appropriate amount and type of fertilizer or other soil amendment to apply to suit the nutritional needs of your soil and plants. You can contact your local extension service for soil testing. You may find you need lime, sulfur, or other soil amendment rather than nitrogen or phosphorous.
If you use a landscaping service, require them to test your soil before applying fertilizers.
If you must use fertilizer, use one that provides nitrogen in a slow?release form. Nitrogen is available as either slow or fast release. Slow release nitrogen is not water soluble, and will provide a slower, more consistent, controlled release of fertilizer. This helps avoid the need for frequent fertilization and also limits the amount of fertilizer that leaches into groundwater. Fast release nitrogen, on the other hand, is water soluble and is released shortly after application, causes rapid growth, and necessitates frequent mowing and more frequent reapplication of fertilizer.
Use only the recommended amount of fertilizer. Be sure your spreader is properly calibrated to deliver the appropriate amount. Also be sure to apply fertilizer at the appropriate times during the year.
Do not apply fertilizer near ponds, wells, or waterways. Leave strips of unfertilized vegetation around waterways to intercept fertilizer runoff from other areas. See our Vegetation and Buffer fact sheet for additional information about vegetation near waterways. If you must apply fertilizer in these areas, use a drop spreader rather than rotary spreader near water sources and storm drains to decrease the risk of fertilizer contamination.
Do not apply fertilizer on hard surfaces. Sweep up spills on sidewalks and driveways.
Properly store your fertilizer in a secure, dry, sheltered location. If fertilizer is exposed and gets wet, it can over?fertilize a local area and contaminate groundwater, or can be washed away into waterways via storm drains.
Use native vegetation in your landscaping. Native species of plants are adapted to local soil and climate conditions, and are less likely to require additional fertilizers for healthy growth. Not only is this beneficial for the plants and waterways, but less watering and fertilizing can save you a lot of money.
Finally, consider alternatives to traditional fertilizer. For example, using a mulching mower to mulch grass and leaving clippings will reduce the amount of fertilizer needed. (Note: contrary to popular belief, grass clippings do not contribute to thatch accumulation on lawns, but rather contain valuable nutrients that are beneficial to your lawn when left on the ground rather than bagged). Use iron instead of nitrogen to green your plants without the negative impacts associated with nitrogen. Ask your local extension agent or nursery for other organic and alternative landscaping products.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service provides a number of services, and can help you implement some of the suggestions mentioned in this fact sheet, such as soil testing and providing guidance on proper fertilization and watering.
Local Clemson Extension Office – Horry County
843-365-6715
Horry County Extension Office
For more information about maintenance for Bermuda Grass, see this Clemson Fact Sheet:
Bermuda Grass Fact Sheet
For more information about maintenance for Centipede Grass, see this Clemson Fact Sheet:
Centipede Grass Fact Sheet
For more information about general lawn fertilization, see this Clemson Fact Sheet:
Lawn Fertilization