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Phosphorus

phosphorus-free fertilizer | pet waste

Phosphorus (P) occurs naturally in living things and soil, but when too much enters streams and lakes it stimulates the growth of algae and results in an algal bloom.

An Algal Bloom can be responsible for:

• Reduced visibility or clarity of the water
  
• Turning water green, leaving unsightly scum
  
• Foul odors
  
• Bad tasting water
  
• Fish kills from low oxygen levels
  
• Loss of the cold water fishery (salmon, trout, etc.)
  

• 	images: Univ. of Minnesota Extension

  Creating toxic by-products in the chlorination process

One pound of phosphorus can produce up to 500 pounds of algal growth.*

Sources of phosphorus can be controlled, including:

• Soil erosion from construction sites, road banks, lawns & gardens
• Sewage from leaky sewer lines or on-site septic drain fields
  
• Road runoff with street sweepings
• Roof runoff
  
• Lawn clippings
  
• Excess lawn fertilizer runoff
• Lawn fertilizer, especially when applied incorrectly, fertilizes a lot more than just your lawn. Fertilizer is carried from yards into our lakes and waterways by stormwater. One way to prevent excess phosphorus from entering our streams and lakes is to use phosphorus-free fertilizer.

*Source: Ron Struss, University of Minnesota Extension Service July 2003