Phosphorus is quickly becoming a familiar word these days because of its connection with algae blooms, contaminated water sources, and some fertilizer practices. Let's look at some solutions for these environmental problems.

Phosphorus is one of the three primary plant nutrients essential for growth. Fortunately, many soils contain adequate amounts of phosphorus. Unfortunately, many lawn care practices and companies and also most Do-It-Yourself 4-Step programs normally include phosphorus in the fertilizers-whether needed or not. This unnecessary phosphorus, which would normally feed the lawns, trees, and flowers in your yard, is the same nutrient that can stimulate growth of algae blooms and aquatic plants in our lakes and streams. To prevent excess phosphorus from damaging our environment, here are a few steps to take.

Remember, not all lawn care companies have the same practices. Here's what to look for before hiring a service:

• Do they offer a zero-phosphorus program for your lawn care needs?

• Do they use soil tests to measure the nutrients present or lacking in the lawn?

• Are regular inspections of the lawn done to make sure unnecessary products aren't being applied?

• Most importantly, are natural organic slow release sources being used, since they are not readily soluble, and resist leaching and runoff into water sources?

Residents of any community have a vested interest in the quality of their water sources, be it for drinking, irrigation, recreation or commerce and should be concerned about excess phosphorus. When it comes to lawn care, it's not hard to implement a program that takes advantage of the existing phosphorus levels already bound up in plant matter and soil. As stewards of the environment, we have a responsibility and accountability to ourselves and future generations.

*For more information regarding phosphorus and/or safer lawn care practices, please contact NaturaLawn® of America at (800)-989-5444 or online at www.naturalawn.com. *