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1. When is the fertilizer Blackout Period?

The fertilizer Blackout Period is June 1 through September 30. During this period, no fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus can be applied.

For more information, E-mail Eddy Galindo or call 321-567-3976.

2. What do the 3 numbers on my fertilizer's label mean?

The three numbers that are shown on your fertilizer’s label are the percentages of nitrogen (N), phosphate (P2O5), and potash (K2O) contained in the fertilizer.

For more information, E-mail Eddy Galindo or call 321-567-3976.

3. What is slow-release nitrogen?

Slow-release nitrogen in a fertilizer means that the nitrogen is in a form that delays its availability for a plant to uptake and use or that is in a form that extends its availability for use by a plant. Similar terms used to describe the form of nitrogen include "controlled release", "timed release," and "slowly available."

For more information, E-mail Eddy Galindo or call 321-567-3976.

4. How do if I know if my fertilizer contains nitrogen or phosphorus?

Most fertilizers have three numbers on their label separated by dashes. These three numbers show the percentages of nitrogen (N), phosphate (P2O5), and potash (K2O) contained in the fertilizer. A zero as the first number would mean it contains no nitrogen. A zero as the second numbers would mean it contains no phosphate. By law, all fertilizer must include a guaranteed analysis table on its label.

The first item listed in the table must be total nitrogen if there is nitrogen in the fertilizer. The second item listed in the table must be phosphate if there is phosphate in the fertilizer.

For more information, E-mail Eddy Galindo or call 321-567-3976.

5. Under Titusville's fertilizer rules, can I use fertilizer that contains phosphorus?

No. Under Titusville’s fertilizer rules, fertilizer that contains phosphorus is prohibited unless you obtain a soil test that indicates a phosphorus deficiency (see FAQ on soil tests).

No fertilizer with nitrogen and/or phosphorus can be applied during any of the following periods:

• June 1 through September 30 (the blackout period)
• If a flood, tropical storm, or hurricane watches or warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service for Titusville
• If heavy rain is expected in the Titusville area

More Information

For more information, E-mail Eddy Galindo or call 321-567-3976.

6. What is a Fertilizer Free Zone?

A Fertilizer Free Zone is exactly what it sounds like: an area free of fertilizer. Residents who live along the Indian River Lagoon are prohibited from using fertilizer within 25 feet of the shoreline of the Indian River Lagoon. All property owners are prohibited from using fertilizer within 10 feet of any water body.

All property owners, especially those living near water bodies, are encouraged to plant native vegetation and practice Florida-Friendly landscaping techniques to reduce or eliminate all fertilizer use. Visit our water conservation pages to learn more about Florida-Friendly landscaping.

For more information, E-mail Eddy Galindo or call 321-567-3976.

7. I use a lawn company. How am I supposed to know what kind of fertilizer they use on my lawn?

Ask your lawn service or landscaper. A licensed professional should be able to tell you how much (what percentage) nitrogen and phosphorus the fertilizer he/she uses on your property contains.

For more information, E-mail Eddy Galindo or call 321-567-3976.

8. Under Titusville's fertilizer rules, can I use a fertilizer that contains nitrogen?

Yes, from October 1 through May 31 you may use a fertilizer that contains nitrogen. However, if you use a fertilizer that contains nitrogen, at least 50% of the total nitrogen must be slow-release. See FAQs on:

• Determining amount of slow-release nitrogen
• Slow-release nitrogen

Periods Nitrogen/Phosphorus Cannot Be Applied

No fertilizer with nitrogen and/or phosphorus can be applied during any of the following periods:

• June 1 through September 30 (the blackout period)
• If a flood, tropical storm, or hurricane watches or warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service for Titusville
• If heavy rain is expected in the Titusville area

More Information

For more information, E-mail Eddy Galindo or call 321-567-3976.

9. I own a business in Titusville. I often have one of my employees apply fertilizer to the landscaping. How do the new fertilizer rules affect me?

The new regulations concerning nitrogen and phosphorus apply to the fertilizer that you apply to your property. In addition, at least one of your employees must have completed certification in the Florida-friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries offered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection through the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Florida-friendly Landscapes program.

For more information, E-mail Eddy Galindo or call 321-567-3976.

10. I have a lawn service business and often apply fertilizer for my clients. How do Titusville's fertilizer rules affect me?

The new regulations concerning nitrogen and phosphorus apply to the fertilizer that you use in your business. In addition, you must have limited certification for urban landscape commercial fertilizer by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

You must also have completed certification in the Florida-friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries offered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection through the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Florida-friendly Landscapes program.

For more information, E-mail Eddy Galindo or call 321-567-3976.

11. Can I still use my rotary spreader for applying fertilizer?

Yes. As long as your rotary (broadcast) spreader has a deflector shield, under the new rules it can still be used to apply fertilizer. Make sure you adjust the deflector shield so that the fertilizer does not end up on impervious surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, and streets or in water bodies such as lakes, ponds, and ditches.

Remember that if you live along the Indian River Lagoon, you are prohibited from using fertilizer within 25 feet of the shoreline. All Titusville property owners are prohibited from using fertilizer within 10 feet of any water body. By planting native vegetation and practicing Florida-Friendly landscaping techniques, you can reduce or eliminate all fertilizer use.

For more information, E-mail Eddy Galindo or call 321-567-3976.

12. What is a “watershed”?

During a rainstorm, the water that flows over the land as runoff collects in streams, canals, rivers, etc. The land area that drains or contributes runoff water to these streams, canals, rivers, etc. is called a watershed. All land is part of a watershed.

For more information please contact Sustainability Planner Eddy Galindo at (321) 567-3976 or eddy.galindo@titusville.com

13. How do I know if my fertilizer contains enough slow-release nitrogen?

The percentage of slow-release nitrogen is listed in the guaranteed analysis table on your fertilizer’s package. To find out if at least 50% of the nitrogen is slow-release nitrogen, divide the amount of slow-release nitrogen by the amount of total nitrogen (also listed in the guaranteed analysis table). Multiply your answer by 100. If the result is 50 (%) or higher, your fertilizer contains the required amount of slow-release nitrogen.

Example

Fertilizer labeled 29-0-4

Guaranteed analysis table lists 29% Total Nitrogen and 5.9% Slow-Release Nitrogen

Equation

5.9 ÷ 29 = 0.2034 × 100 = 20.34%

This means 20.34% of the nitrogen contained in this fertilizer is slow-release nitrogen.

Does This Fertilizer Meet Slow-Release Nitrogen Requirements?

This fertilizer cannot be used because it contains less than 50% slow-release nitrogen.

More Information

For more information, E-mail Eddy Galindo or call 321-567-3976.