Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist.
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Transcript of Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist.
Urban Nutrient Management
Robert HabelUrban Nutrient Management Specialist
The Ultimate Goal of The Ultimate Goal of
The Virginia DCR’sThe Virginia DCR’s
Nutrient Nutrient ManagementManagement Programs are Programs are
Improving Virginia’s Water QualityImproving Virginia’s Water Quality
andand
PROTECTING THE CHESAPEAKE BAY!!PROTECTING THE CHESAPEAKE BAY!!
• The United State’s Largest EstuaryThe United State’s Largest Estuary– Estuaries form a transition zone between river Estuaries form a transition zone between river
environments and ocean environments and are environments and ocean environments and are subject to both marine influences, such as tides, subject to both marine influences, such as tides, waves, and the influx of saline water; and riverine waves, and the influx of saline water; and riverine influences, such as flows of fresh water and influences, such as flows of fresh water and sediment. sediment.
– Estuaries are among the most productive natural Estuaries are among the most productive natural habitats in the world habitats in the world
• A Driving Force of the Virginia EconomyA Driving Force of the Virginia Economy– Produces 45,000 Tons of Seafood YearlyProduces 45,000 Tons of Seafood Yearly– Major Tourism AttractionMajor Tourism Attraction
THE BAYTHE BAY
THE BAY
•About 200 Miles LongAbout 200 Miles Long•Averages 21 ft DeepAverages 21 ft Deep•50 Major Tributaries 50 Major Tributaries pour into the bay dailypour into the bay daily•Averages 15 trillion Averages 15 trillion gallons of watergallons of water•300 Species of fish300 Species of fish•2700 Species of plants2700 Species of plantsRichmond
D.C.
Norfolk
Baltimore
Philadelphia
2008 Bay Health Report
100% Health/Production Based on 1600’s Exploration Narratives from
Captain John Smith
2008 Bay Health Report
According to Smith “Pristine, clear waters revealed vast meadows of underwater grasses and massive colonies of oysters and Fishes.”
2008 Bay Health Report
2008 Value Shows the Bay at 28% Health“Dangerously Out of Balance”
2008 Bay Health Report
• Based on 3 factors– Fisheries
2008 Bay Health Report
• Based on 3 factors– Fisheries– Habitat
2008 Bay Health Report
• Based on 3 factors– Fisheries– Habitat– Pollution
Primary Pollutants
• Nitrogen and Phosphorus are the “Limiting Factor” to Achieving Bay Health
• Limiting Factor: anything that tends to make it more difficult for a species to live and grow, or reproduce in its environment
• All other health score areas are affected by excess nutrients
How Do Excess Nutrients How Do Excess Nutrients Affect Water Quality?Affect Water Quality?
• They fuel the growth of dense algae They fuel the growth of dense algae blooms in surface waters:blooms in surface waters:– Block sunlight that underwater grasses need Block sunlight that underwater grasses need
to grow. to grow. – Rob the water of oxygen, which fish and Rob the water of oxygen, which fish and
bottom-dwelling species need to survive.bottom-dwelling species need to survive.
How Do Excess Nutrients Affect Water Quality?
• Contaminate Drinking Water Sources– Consumption of high nitrogen drinking water
is dangerous– EPA Standard 10ppm Nitrates
Primary Pollutants
Progress is being made with Point Sources• A point source of pollution is a single
identifiable localized source– State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plants
– Agricultural Conservation Practices– Storm Water Management Practices
– Factory Discharge Regulations
More Must Be Done To AchievePollution Reduction Goals
•Nonpoint source pollution is from many different indistinguishable
sources with no specific solution to rectify the problem
– Agricultural Runoff– Urban Runoff
Watershed - area of land where water from rain
and melting snow or ice is funneled
into a body of water
•64 Million Square Miles•17 Million People•150 Major Rivers
•100,000 Tributaries
BAY WATERSHED
BAY WATERSHED
60% of Virginia Drains into the Bay
www.epa.gov
Cities, parking lots, roads, neighborhoods etc…
Think of The Bay as a Tree and the Creeks, Streams, and Rivers as Roots
Healthy Roots = Healthy Tree
Impaired Waters
Impaired Waters
In Order to have a Healthy Bay We First Need to have Healthy
Creeks, Streams and Rivers
Impaired Waters
While most Legislation and Policy deal directly with the Health of
The Chesapeake BayLocal Waters are Improved as Well.
Urban Nutrient Sources
• Individual Homes• Housing Developments • Parks and Sports Fields• Shopping Malls• Golf Courses• Sod Farms and Nurseries• Paved Areas
Urban Nutrient Sources
• Yard Waste• Car Waste• Animal Waste• Deicing Products• Fertilizers
Nutrient Fate in the Environment
• Used by Plants• Removed with Plant Waste• Held by Micro-organisms• Denitrification • Volatilization • Leaching• Runoff
Microorganisms
Leaching
DenitrificationVolatilization Plant Removal
Ground Water
SurfaceWater
RunoffNutrients
Nutrient Loss Pathways
Management Practices to Limit Nutrients in Urban Runoff
Yard Waste – organic matter decay creates large amounts of nutrients– Sweep/Collect yard debris from streets,
walks, and driveways– Dispose of debris in a properly placed and
maintained compost pile or curbside pick up• Use compost instead of fertilizer
– Use a mulching mower to return grass clippings and their nutrients to the lawn• Clippings account for up to 1#N-P-K/year/1000FT2
Management Practices to Limit Nutrients in Urban Runoff
Car waste – car fluids, exhaust and cleaning products contain nutrients– Maintain vehicles (and yard equipment) to
prevent leaks and minimize emissions– Immediately and thoroughly clean up spills– Wash vehicles on the lawn or at a car wash
with environmentally friendly products– Collect spent fluids, oils, solvents etc. and
dispose of properly
Management Practices to Limit Nutrients in Urban Runoff
Animal waste – Dogs produce 275lbs of waste a year
– Contains excess nutrients and bacteria
• Always pick up after your pet and dispose of the waste properly
• Seal it in a plastic bag and throw it away• Don’t flush waste down the toilet• Composting systems available
– 1 Goose Produces 1lb of nitrogen a year
Management Practices to Limit Nutrients in Urban Runoff
Deicers – contain nutrients– DO NOT USE FERTILIZER AS AN ICE MELT– Prevent continual thaw/freeze events on
impervious surfaces• Clear snow from drains• Shovel snow to lower side of drives and walks
– Use alternatives to chemicals such as sand or kitty litter to provide traction
Management Practices to Limit Nutrients in Urban Runoff
Irrigation – Improper irrigation can lead to leaching/runoff– Irrigate at lower more frequent rates
• 2-3 .5 inch irrigation cycles a week • .5 inch plus irrigation events push nutrients past
rooting zone and create runoff
– Select low-water-use turfgrasses, groundcovers, shrubs and trees
– Limit traffic to minimize compaction and wear– Invest in a rain sensor for irrigation system
Management Practices to Limit Nutrients in Urban Runoff
Soil Compaction – compacted soils lead to runoff and leaching– Reduced soil pore space = Less Rooting =
Decreased N uptake by plant = Leaching– Hard pan areas reduce infiltration rates
increasing runoff• Monitor Soil Compaction• Vary method/depth of aeration practices
– Especially in high traffic areas
Management Practices to Limit Nutrients in Urban Runoff
Fertilizer Excess or misapplied fertilizer runs off
before it can be incorporated into the soil or absorbed by plants.
Responsible fertilizer use reduces the potential for high nutrient content in
urban runoff.
What’s in the bag?
N = Nitrogen: •critical component of proteins, chlorophyll molecules •green up•too much and improperly timed N causes excessive top growth
P = Phosphorus •used in fall for root growth•component of DNA, RNA, photosynthesis
K= Potassium •used all year •involved in heat/cold tolerance, •disease resistance & other stresses
What’s in the bag?
Fertilizer Analysis – Percent Nutrient by weight
•32% N of a 50lb bag of fertilizer would be 16lb N/50lb bag or 32lb N/100lb of fertilizer
•0% P means there is no P in the bag
•10% K of a 50lb bag of fertilizer would be 5lb K/50lb bag or 10lb K/100lb of fertilizer
Fertilizers come in Multiple Ratios
Complete Fertilizers •Contain N-P-K•2:1:1, 3:1:1, 4:1:2, etc
Balanced Fertilizer•1:1:1 Ratio or a 10-10-10 Product
Incomplete Fertilizer•One or more nutrient is not present
High Analysis Fertilizer•One Nutrient is present in excess of 30%
Basic Criteria and BMPs
1. Fertility Program Weighted Towards Fall• Nutrients Can Be Applied Spring And Summer As
Long As Proper Frost Dates And Rates Are Followed• Cool Season Grasses - Six Weeks Prior To The
Last Spring Average Killing Frost Date And Ends Six Weeks Past The First Fall Average Killing Frost Date
• Warm Season Grasses - No Earlier Than The Last Spring Average Killing Frost Date, And Ends No Later Than One Month Prior To The First Fall Average Killing Frost Date
Basic Criteria and BMPs
2. Per Application Nitrogen Limit• 1 #N/1000 FT2/30day Period • .75 #N/1000 FT2/30day Period On Sandy Soil
3. Yearly Total Nitrogen (100% Water Soluble)• 3.5 #N/1000FT2/Year Cool Season• 4 #N/1000FT2/Year Warm Season
4. Use Of Slowly Available Forms Of Nitrogen• Maximum Rates Using 50% Or Greater Insoluble N
• 5.0 #N/1000 FT2 For Cool Season Grasses• 5.5 #N/1000 FT2 For Warm Season Grasses• 1.5 # N/1000 FT2 per Application with 50% Slow Release
CALIBRATE YOUR SPREADER!!!
• Every Product Is Different• Every Spreader Is Different • DO NOT GO BY THE BAGS
RECOMMENDATIONS• Taking The Time To Calibrate
– Saves Money– Reduces Waste
– Ensures Proper Nutrient Application
Basic Criteria and BMPs
5. Return Grass Clippings Where Possible– P And K Levels Remain Near Constant
6. Use Iron To Promote Greening7. Base Phosphorus And Potassium Applications
On Soil Test Results8. Do Not Apply Nutrients To Impervious
Surfaces• Clean Up After Applications• Do Not Use Fertilizer As Ice Melt
9. Use Lime To Balance Ph To Acceptable Levels– No More Than 50lbs/1000ft2/30 Days
Basic Criteria and BMPs10. Follow Proper Turf Establishment Methods11. Soil Test Every 3 Years 12. Follow Proper Mowing Techniques
• Remove Only 1/3 Blade Height• Keep Blades Sharp• Mow Dry To Ensure Good Clipping Dispersal
13. Use Proper Mowing Height• Follow Recommendations For Your Grass Variety
14. For Ornamentals and landscape plants refer to Virginia Cooperative Extension Recommendations for specific Plant Species
These criteria and BMP’s apply both to NMP and WQA
They are derived from DCR’s “Standards and Criteria”
found at our website,“Nutrient Management Training and
Certification Regulations” and
“Turf and Landscape: Nutrient Management Handbook”
which is in publication.
• Nutrient Management Plans – Certified Nutrient Management planner
Training
• Water Quality Agreements
Virginia DCR’s
Voluntary Turf and Landscape
Nutrient Management Programs
• Reduces Surface Nutrient Runoff– Nutrients Applied with Correct Timing in
Relation to Weather Patterns and Plant Growth
– Nutrients are not Applied to Impervious Surfaces
• Limits Ground Water Leaching– Nitrogen Applied According to Plant Need– P and K Applied According to Soil Test
• Controls Soil Erosion– Healthy Plants Hold Soil in Place
Proper Urban Nutrient Management
Nutrient Management Plans• Detailed, Soil Test Backed, Nutrient Application
Guides For The Facility Manager To Follow• Purpose
– Ensure Plants Have Optimum Nutrient Availability
– Ensure Minimum Movement Of Nitrogen And Phosphorus Away From Applied Areas
• For Any Property Managing Turf & Landscapes• Prepared By Certified planners
– planners Can Work For The Facility– “For Hire” planners Listed On DCR Website
• Currently There are 65 Planners – 30 “For Hire”• DCR Approves Plans • Plans are Renewed Every 3 Years
NM planner Certification Training
• 4 Days Of Training• Session One: 2 Days On Basic Soils, Soil Fertility
And Turfgrass Production• Session Two: 2 Days On NMP Writing• $80 Dollars Per Session• $100 For Testing And 2 Years Of Certification • Generally Training Sessions Are A Week Apart
And Testing Occurs 1 Month After Training• Education And Experience Waiver Available To
Bypass Training• Certification Renewed by Writing Plans and
Continuing Education Courses
Water Quality Agreements
• Developed Specifically For Lawn Companies• General, Site Unspecific, Nutrient Management
Plan for Turf and Landscape• No Soil Tests Required, But They Are
Recommended For Every Site• DCR Works With Lawn Care Companies To
Adapt Their Fertility Programs To DCR’s Standards
• Ideally, Lawn Services would have CNMPs on staff to write plans for larger properties
• CNMPW are Surveyed Yearly – Acres Planed Per Watershed Code– Average #N/1000FT2 Per Watershed Code
• WQA Participants are Surveyed Yearly– Acres Maintained Per County– Average #N/1000FT2 Per County
Nutrient Application Reporting
Why is Reporting Necessary?
• Environmental Protection Agency Program
• Computer Mathematically Simulates Leaching, Runoff and Erosion Using
– Assumed Fertility Rates– Land Use Data– Weather Data
• Reduction Credits Given for NMP Acres− Reduces Assumed Fertility Values
Chesapeake Bay Model
• There are an Estimated 2.5 Million Acres of Maintained Urban Landscape in VA
• By 2017 97% of this Area Needs to be Under NMPs to meet EPA Nutrient Reduction Goals
– Currently There are 22,000 Acres Managed Under Nutrient Management Plans or 1%
Chesapeake Bay Model
Nutrient application reporting remains VOLUNTARY
as long as the EPA is satisfied with the state’s continuing progress
in reducing nutrients in our waters.
Your participation will help to keep these programs
STATE CONTROLLED and VOLUNTARY.
• Chesapeake Bay Program• Aimed at the Average Homeowner• Approaches Conservation from the
Seafood Consumers Point of View• Participants Pledge to Fertilize Lawns
Only in the Fall• “Fine Print” Allows for Spring and
Summer Fertilization of Warm Season Grasses
• Also have a Program Similar to WQA’s for Lawn Services
Chesapeake Club
If you have questions or would like more information please contact me @
[email protected] (Office)
DCR’s Websitewww.dcr.virginia.gov/soil_and_water/nutmgt
Data and Graphic Sources: EPA, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Chesapeake Bay Program, Virginia DEQ, Virginia DCR
How much do I use?
• Fertility applications are based on N
• Max allowed application of N is 1lb/1000FT2
• Determine how many pounds of product are needed to get 1lb of N
How much do I use?
16Lbs N 1 Lb N
100 Lbs X
16X = 100 (1)
X = 100/16
X = 6.25Lbs Product to Achieve 1lb N
=
How much do I use?
32Lbs N 1 Lb N
100 Lbs X
32X = 100 (1)
X = 100/32
X = 3.125 Lbs Product to Achieve 1lb N
=
How big an area do I want to fertilize?
• It is important to know how large an area is in order to properly purchase and apply fertilizers
• Use basic Geometry to Determine Area• Divide large or oddly shaped areas to
more easily determine the area
How big an area do I want to fertilize?
30
10
Squares and Rectangles• Length X Width = Area• 30 X 10 = 300 FT2
Triangles• .5 X Base X Height = Area• .5 X 10 X 30 = 150 FT2
Circles• 3.14 X R2 = Area• 3.14 X (20 X 20) = 1256 FT2
30
10
20
How big an area do I want to fertilize?
A
Irregular Shapes• Area = Part A+B+C+D• A = 50 X 30 =1500• B = 25 X 15 =375• C = 65 X 25 X .5 = 813• D = 40 X 10 X .5 = 200• Total Area = 2,888 FT2
D
C
B
How big an area do I want to fertilize?
How do I measure my yard?
• Lot = 125 x 100 = 12500• Subtract Total = 2143
– House 44 X 26 = 1144– Deck 12 X 12 = 144– Drive 40 X 10 = 400– Garden 25 X 15 = 375– Walk 4 x 20 = 80
• Remainder/Yard = 10,357
How much do I use?
• 10357 FT2 Yard• 3.125 Lbs/1000 FT2 Product to
Achieve 1lb N/1000 FT2 • 10.357 X 3.125 = 33 lbs• 33lb = purchasing 1 50 LB Bag
Drop Spreaders• Most Accurate• Requires more
effort due to lack of coverage width
• Ideal for edging impervious surfaces, water or ornamental beds
How do I apply?
Calibrate the Spreader to Spread the Correct Rate
• On drop spreader attach a V-shaped or box shaped trough at the bottom of the spreader to catch the fertilizer
• Set the spreader at the manufacturer’s suggested setting and push spreader over a 100 sq. ft. area
Travel Distance
• If the spreader is:1.5 ft. wide – go forward 66.6. ft.2 ft. wide – go forward 50 ft.3 ft. wide – go forward 33.3 ft.• Weigh the material and multiply x 10 = Amount to apply per 1000 sq. ft.• Adjust spreader repeating process until
proper rate is reached
Broadcast Spreader
• Least Accurate• Spread Accuracy
Affected by wind• Covers large areas
quickly• Can be equipped with
shield for edging
Calibrate Broadcast Spreader• Apply a small amount of fertilizer to an area of
grass or a clean impervious surface in order to measure width of spread.
• Determine length of walk in order to cover 1000 sq feet. – 10 FT Spread Pattern = 100 FT Test Path
• Attach Catch Pan to Spreader • Set Spreader to manufactures suggested
setting for rate desired• Walk Test Path and the Weigh fertilizer
collected • Repeat Until Weight = Rate
Exercise Method of Application• Break Yard into Several Small Areas• Measure these areas and then calculate
fertilizer needed for area• Weigh out Fertilizer and put in spreader• Set Spreader at a very low rate • Walk Area Uniformly until all Fertilizer is
Spread on Designated Area• Repeat for each area of Lawn• Works with both kinds of spreaders as
well as hand held crank style spreaders for flower beds, etc.
Soil Testing• Soil Test Kits are available at
your local Virginia Cooperative Extension Office
• Tests are completed by Virginia Tech and cost $10 per sample
• Other retail kits are available but cost significantly more that those done at VT
Soil Testing
• Follow Instructions Provided with Kit• Fill out enclosed form, accuracy in
reporting helps ensure accurate results• Mail sample to VT for Testing• Receive Results and Recommendations
for the specific species grown
Soil Testing• The accuracy of the soil test is a reflection of
the soil sample• Take at least random 10 Samples using a
stainless steel or chrome plated shovel or soil probe
• Avoid areas around the boarder, compost piles or areas managed differently
• Place samples in a clean plastic bucket, mix thoroughly then fill the sample box with the mixed soil
• Be careful to not contaminate the sample with excess organic matter or with soil from other samples
Soil Testing
Soil Testing
• N applications are based on plant need• Follow soil test results for Lime, P, K and
micronutrient applications
If you have questions or would like more information please contact me @
[email protected] (Office)
DCR’s Websitewww.dcr.virginia.gov/soil_and_water/nutmgt
Data and Graphic Sources: EPA, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Chesapeake Bay Program, Virginia DEQ, Virginia DCR