Soil Tests
Did you know that a Florida cypress swamp can remove 98 percent of excess nitrogen and 97 percent of excess phosphorus from wastewater entering wetlands? These high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus often come from fertilizers that run off agricultural land and home landscapes, and can cause harmful algal blooms in rivers and along the coast.
Viewer Tip: Before you add fertilizer to your yard, consider having your soil tested. Soil tests are inexpensive, can be performed by your local University Cooperative Extension service, and will tell you which nutrients your lawn needs. By knowing exactly what your lawn needs, you can avoid applying unnecessary nutrients.
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
(Sources: Ducks Unlimited. “Improved Water Quality.” http://www.ducks.org/Conservation/Habitat/1577/ImprovedWaterQuality.html; US EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds)
