Email
PrintNew Legislation on Fertilizers
Govenor Christie helping local waterways
In January, Governor Christie signed into law the nation's toughest fertilizer bill, aimed at protecting our waters - and the creatures living in them - from the damaging effects of chemical nutrients.Many of the new law's provisions don't take effect immediately, to minimize financial loss to manufacturers and retailers with existing inventory. But changes are coming.
A multi-year initiative by the state Legislature and environmental advocates working to preserve Barnegat Bay ultimately resulted in the new law.
One of the biggest threats to Barnegat Bay - and all of our state's waterways - comes from nitrogen found in fertilizers. Rain-washes excess nitrogen and other nutrients off lawns, where they flow across driveways and streets, into storm drains, and directly into streams, rivers, and bays.
Under the new fertilizer law, at least 20 percent of nitrogen in fertilizers sold in New Jersey must be classified as "slow-release." A University of Florida study found that only one-third as much nitrogen found its way into groundwater when slow-release fertilizers were used.
This is a common sense step toward restoring Barnegat Bay and protecting our water resources. In addition to limiting the amount of nitrogen in fertilizers and requiring a certain percentage to be slow-release, the law establishes buffers around waterways, requires fertilizer application professionals to be certified by the state, and sets "blackout" periods when fertilizers cannot be used.
You can help protect New Jersey's waters - bays, rivers, streams, marshes, and lakes - this spring with your personal choices. Consider skipping fertilizers altogether, or looking for organic alternatives. If you choose a fertilizer, look for one with the maximum amount of slow-release nutrients.
For more information, please visit www.njconservation.org or email Mchele S. Byers at info@njconservation.org .
