MADISON, WI — Beginning April 1, 2010, fertilizer that is labeled as containing phosphorus or available phosphate cannot be applied to lawns or turf in Wisconsin unless the fertilizer application qualifies under certain exemptions.
Governor Doyle in April 2009, signed the law, 2009 Wisconsin Act 9, which modified Chapter 94, Wisconsin Statutes. The intent of the law is to provide protection to Wisconsin’s lakes, rivers, streams and other water resources from phosphorus run-off.
The new law that restricts the use, sale and display of turf fertilizer labeled as containing phosphorus or available phosphate, will affect municipalities and other local government whose staff manage parks, athletic fields and other turf, as well as a number of other groups including:
— professional lawn and landscape businesses,
— homeowners,
— golf course superintendents and other sports-turf managers,
— fertilizer retailers including garden centers, hardware stores, home improvement centers and discount stores.
Several states and regions have passed similar restrictions on the use of phosphorus fertilizers.
For a full reading of the bill click here.
