Scott’s Proposal for Phosphorous Reduction in Fertilizers Prepared by Heidi Bonnaffon WRTC Meeting...
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Transcript of Scott’s Proposal for Phosphorous Reduction in Fertilizers Prepared by Heidi Bonnaffon WRTC Meeting...
Scott’s Proposal for Phosphorous Reduction in Fertilizers
Prepared by Heidi BonnaffonWRTC MeetingMay 11, 2006
Background The Chesapeake Bay Program’s Nutrient
Subcommittee (NSC), Businesses for the Bay, and the CSREES/Land Grant University Mid Atlantic
Water Quality Program (MAWQP)
have worked with Scotts for ~ 2 years to
reduce nutrient loss from “do it yourself” (DIY) lawn
fertilizer application.
Background on Fertilizer Loads Urban nonpoint sources and account for
~1/4 phosphorus reaching the Bay ~1/8 nitrogen reaching the Bay
Retrofitting urban storm water is costly and new growth is increasing urban loads
Targeting fertilizers may be the most efficient way to address urban non-point pollution.
40 50% DoNothing
None 1 2 3 4
- - - D.I.Y. Applications Per Year - - -
Mill
ion
s o
f H
om
e L
awn
s
30
20
10
Lawn Service
1011
10
18
4040 50% Do
Nothing
None 1 2 3 4
- - - D.I.Y. Applications Per Year - - -
Mill
ion
s o
f H
om
e L
awn
s
30
20
10
Lawn Service
1011
10
18
40
Home Lawn CareNumber of Home Lawns (millions)
Home Lawn CareNumber of Home Lawns (millions)
25
None 1 2 3 4
- - - D.I.Y. Applications Per Year - - -
Mill
ion
s o
f A
pp
licat
ion
s
20
15
10
43
2018
50
25
None 1 2 3 4
- - - D.I.Y. Applications Per Year - - -
Mill
ion
s o
f A
pp
licat
ion
s
20
15
10
43
2018
50
Home Lawn Care – 2Total Number of Applications (millions)
Home Lawn Care – 2Total Number of Applications (millions)
National Bag Sales: 35 millionAvg. # Applications: 1.8 per year
Unit Sales by State:Maryland --- 1 million bagsVirginia --- 0.9 million bags
Scotts Lawns Fertilizer Sold
% Sales inCB Watershed
Nitrogen* Phosphorus**
Millions of Pounds Millions of Pounds Millions of Pounds
Pennsylvania 47.16 50 6.84 0.71Maryland 22.67 100 6.57 0.68Virginia 19.90 100 5.77 0.60
New York 33.22 10 0.96 0.10Delaware 2.95 50 0.43 0.04
West Virginia 2.20 5 0.03 0.00District of Columbia 0.06 100 0.02 0.00
Total 128.16 20.62 2.13
* 29% average nitrogen concentration in fertilizers sold.** 3% average phosphorus (P2O5) concentration in fertilizers sold.
Chesapeake BayWatershed
Fertilizer Sales
State
Scotts Proposal The Scotts Miracle Gro Co. has discussed with the CBP
plans to reduce the P in its commercial lawn products 50% by 2009. Scotts expects other major fertilizer companies to change their
formulas as a result of market pressure. Over time, Scotts plans to address N reduction in their fertilizers.
Could equate ~1 million Ibs/year P reduction in lawn applications in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
NSC Recommendations to Principal Staff Committee
Chesapeake Bay Program should enter into an agreement with the “Do It Yourself” (DIY) lawn fertilizer industry, led by The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, to:
1. endorse a 50% reduction in phosphorus in their bagged DIY fertilizer lines
2. initiate discussions on nitrogen content and form in DIY lawn fertilizers
3. work with the DIY lawn fertilizer industry and major retail outlets to educate the public at the point of sale on proper methods of fertilizer application.
Next Steps for CBP Charge the Implementation Committee, through a
cooperative effort of the NSC, B4B, MAWQP and Scotts/RISE, with drafting the proposed agreement and the point of sale education program.
Campaign will be unveiled at the Executive Council Meeting, with roll out at retail outlets Spring 2007.
It is further recommended that The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company be recognized at the Executive Council for their proactive leadership in this effort.
Potential Roles for COG
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company is also interested in ways to partner with local governments.
Representatives of Scott’s will brief COG’s Chesapeake Bay Policy Committee at its May 19 meeting.
Recommended Actions for CBPC Sign an agreement between industry and COG member
governments pledging to work together to minimize potential for pollution.
Local governments could conduct outreach/education that Scotts and the rest of the commercial lawn care industry have researched and are advocating. NVRC Radio ad campaign vehicle or individually by local
governments.
Recommended Actions for CBPC
Demonstrate the use of reduced P fertilizers on county-owned or city-owned properties, and possibly other lawns with high-visibility. As part of demonstration projects or other activities, conduct research
into the water quality impacts of following innovative lawn care practices.
Universities with demo plots showing lawn care and nutrient reduction results of lower P (lower N)
Potentially arrange industry training courses for county and city employees (or their contractors) on how to correctly apply fertilizers.
Others?
Comments….
Questions?