Northwood News ♦ June 2009

Phosphorus Fertilizer is Banned by 2011

Last month (on 7 May 2009, to be precise), Governor O’Malley signed House Bill 609, the “Chesapeake Bay Phosphorous Reduction Act of 2009,” to limit phosphorus in fertilizers.

After 1 April 2011, the sale or distribution of any fertilizer for use on established lawns or grass within Maryland will be limited unless it is a low-phosphorus fertilizer.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture recommends that consumers take a soil test to see if their lawns need any fertilizer before applying it.

To see more details about the bill, visit the Maryland State website at mlis.state.md.us/2009rs/billfile/HB0609.htm.   ■