CLEAR GRAND

 Nonpoint Source Pollution Reduction for Grand Lake Watershed, Oklahoma

"Land Grows Green, Water Stays Clean"

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[Lawn & Garden Home] [Nutrients & Fertilizer] [Demonstration Garden]

Nutrients and Fertilizers

Most nutrients needed by plants are abundant in soil.  
 
These 3 nutrients
  •   Nitrogen (N)
  •   Phosphorus (P)
  •   Potassium (K)
 
may be depleted by removing grass clippings from a lawn or harvesting a garden. 
Occasional fertilization may be needed to keep plants healthy.

  

Excess Fertilizer Causes Water Pollution

When it rains, nutrients from the landscape wash to nearby lakes and streams.  These nutrients cause rapid growth of aquatic weeds and algae and oxygen becomes depleted in the water.  Extreme cases can lead to fish kills and poor tasting water.

A clean lake surrounded by a well managed golf course and trees.

A pond covered by algae due to nutrient enrichment.

 

Tips for Fertilizer Application

 
Soil Tests – no need to guess
A soil test helps you know exactly how much fertilizer you need.  You save money and protect the environment by applying no more than needed.  Get your soil tested at your local county OSU Extension office.

 

Divide yard into several areas and sample them seperately.

 

 

What does 19-19-19 mean on fertilizer bags?
The 3 numbers show the percentage of nutrients N, P and K, in that order.
 
 
What Fertilizer Should I Apply?

Soil test below recommended P & K values:

  •   Use balanced fertilizer (19-19-19) once per year. Nitrogen only afterwards.

Soil test at or above recommended P & K values:

  •   Use fertilizer low in P & K, such as: 46-0-0, 27-3-3, 31-0-4

 

Recommended Soil Test Values

pH

5.5-7.0

Nitrate-N

20-40 lb/acre

Soil Test P Index

65-120

Soil Test K Index

250-350

 
NOTE:  Many lawns and gardens around Grand Lake are low only in nitrogen.  Try a high nitrogen fertilizer first (if you don’t test your soil).
 

 

More Tips for Your Yard

  • Use a mulching lawn mower to return grass clippings to the lawn.  This recycles nutrients and minimizes need to add fertilizer.

     

  • Sweep fertilizers and grass clippings off the sidewalks to the lawn before they are washed away by rain.

     

  • Hold off fertilizing until after it rains so your nutrients don’t wash away.

     

  • Recycle yard waste by composting.  This provides a good (and free) organic fertilizer.

 

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This page was last updated:  December 12, 2008