Earth Day News: MDA to Demonstrate Conservation Practices to Help Homeowners Comply with New Law

ANNAPOLIS, MD (April  13, 2012) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) invites members of the media and residents to visit its headquarters at 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, on Monday, April 16, from 11 a.m. to noon , to learn about new requirements homeowners will soon be required to follow under the Fertilizer Use Act of 2011.  In recognition of Earth Day, demonstrations will be conducted to showcase best management practices that homeowners can follow to help improve water quality in the streams and rivers that feed the Chesapeake Bay.

The Fertilizer Use Act of 2011 limits the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in lawn fertilizer products and places new restrictions on how homeowners and professional fertilizer applicators may use those products. Effective October 1, 2013, Maryland’s new lawn fertilizer law requires homeowners and lawn care professionals to obey fertilizer application restrictions, use best management practices when applying fertilizer, observe fertilizer blackout dates and follow University of Maryland recommendations when fertilizing lawns.  Under the law, fertilizer use will be prohibited between November 15 and March 1; within 15 feet of a waterway; or when heavy rain is predicted.  Fertilizers may not be used to de-ice walkways and driveways. Those attending the MDA event will be able to learn more about the new requirements from representatives of MDA’s Nutrient Management Program.

At the event, MDA Nutrient Management Program Manager Dr. Jo Mercer will provide a brief outline of the requirements for homeowners and professional certified applicators, University of Maryland Home and Garden Information Center Director Jon Traunfeld will demonstrate a number of easy yet important best management practices for homeowners to follow, including: how to take a soil test, how to read a soil test lab report, how to understand the content of a fertilizer bag, water conservation measures, composting and how to grow a vegetable garden. Dennis Howard, chief of MDA’s Pesticide Regulation Section, will discuss backyard pest management techniques that mirror a farmer’s integrated pest management programs.  Other agricultural and gardening experts will also be on hand to answer questions.

What: Demonstration of conservation measures that homeowners can take to comply with the Fertilizer Use Act, to incorporate good environmental stewardship at their homes and to recognize Earth Day.

When/Where: April 16, from 11 a.m. to noon at MDA, 50 Harry Truman Parkway, Annapolis (rain or shine)

Who: Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance and MDA Nutrient Management Program Manager Dr. Jo Mercer will make remarks. University of Maryland Home and Garden Information Center Director Jon Traunfeld and Entomologist with MDA’s Pesticide Regulation Ed Crow will conduct demonstrations. Other MDA staff, including representatives from the State Chemist and Nutrient Management, will also be available.

NOTE: THE MEDIA AND PUBLIC ARE INVITED AND ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND.