Scott’s Proposal for Phosphorous Reduction in Fertilizers

Prepared by Heidi BonnaffonWRTC MeetingMay 11, 2006

Background The Chesapeake Bay Program’s Nutrient

Subcommittee (NSC), Businesses for the Bay, and the CSREES/Land Grant University Mid Atlantic

Water Quality Program (MAWQP)

have worked with Scotts for ~ 2 years to

reduce nutrient loss from “do it yourself” (DIY) lawn

fertilizer application.

Background on Fertilizer Loads Urban nonpoint sources and account for

~1/4 phosphorus reaching the Bay ~1/8 nitrogen reaching the Bay

Retrofitting urban storm water is costly and new growth is increasing urban loads

Targeting fertilizers may be the most efficient way to address urban non-point pollution.

40 50% DoNothing

None 1 2 3 4

- - - D.I.Y. Applications Per Year - - -

Mill

ion

s o

f H

om

e L

awn

s

30

20

10

Lawn Service

1011

10

18

4040 50% Do

Nothing

None 1 2 3 4

- - - D.I.Y. Applications Per Year - - -

Mill

ion

s o

f H

om

e L

awn

s

30

20

10

Lawn Service

1011

10

18

40

Home Lawn CareNumber of Home Lawns (millions)

Home Lawn CareNumber of Home Lawns (millions)

25

None 1 2 3 4

- - - D.I.Y. Applications Per Year - - -

Mill

ion

s o

f A

pp

licat

ion

s

20

15

10

43

2018

50

25

None 1 2 3 4

- - - D.I.Y. Applications Per Year - - -

Mill

ion

s o

f A

pp

licat

ion

s

20

15

10

43

2018

50

Home Lawn Care – 2Total Number of Applications (millions)

Home Lawn Care – 2Total Number of Applications (millions)

National Bag Sales: 35 millionAvg. # Applications: 1.8 per year

Unit Sales by State:Maryland --- 1 million bagsVirginia --- 0.9 million bags

Scotts Lawns Fertilizer Sold

% Sales inCB Watershed

Nitrogen* Phosphorus**

Millions of Pounds Millions of Pounds Millions of Pounds

Pennsylvania 47.16 50 6.84 0.71Maryland 22.67 100 6.57 0.68Virginia 19.90 100 5.77 0.60

New York 33.22 10 0.96 0.10Delaware 2.95 50 0.43 0.04

West Virginia 2.20 5 0.03 0.00District of Columbia 0.06 100 0.02 0.00

Total 128.16 20.62 2.13

* 29% average nitrogen concentration in fertilizers sold.** 3% average phosphorus (P2O5) concentration in fertilizers sold.

Chesapeake BayWatershed

Fertilizer Sales

State

Scotts Proposal The Scotts Miracle Gro Co. has discussed with the CBP

plans to reduce the P in its commercial lawn products 50% by 2009. Scotts expects other major fertilizer companies to change their

formulas as a result of market pressure. Over time, Scotts plans to address N reduction in their fertilizers.

Could equate ~1 million Ibs/year P reduction in lawn applications in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

NSC Recommendations to Principal Staff Committee

Chesapeake Bay Program should enter into an agreement with the “Do It Yourself” (DIY) lawn fertilizer industry, led by The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, to:

1. endorse a 50% reduction in phosphorus in their bagged DIY fertilizer lines

2. initiate discussions on nitrogen content and form in DIY lawn fertilizers

3. work with the DIY lawn fertilizer industry and major retail outlets to educate the public at the point of sale on proper methods of fertilizer application.

Next Steps for CBP Charge the Implementation Committee, through a

cooperative effort of the NSC, B4B, MAWQP and Scotts/RISE, with drafting the proposed agreement and the point of sale education program.

Campaign will be unveiled at the Executive Council Meeting, with roll out at retail outlets Spring 2007.

It is further recommended that The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company be recognized at the Executive Council for their proactive leadership in this effort.

Potential Roles for COG

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company is also interested in ways to partner with local governments.

Representatives of Scott’s will brief COG’s Chesapeake Bay Policy Committee at its May 19 meeting.

Recommended Actions for CBPC Sign an agreement between industry and COG member

governments pledging to work together to minimize potential for pollution.

Local governments could conduct outreach/education that Scotts and the rest of the commercial lawn care industry have researched and are advocating. NVRC Radio ad campaign vehicle or individually by local

governments.

Recommended Actions for CBPC

Demonstrate the use of reduced P fertilizers on county-owned or city-owned properties, and possibly other lawns with high-visibility. As part of demonstration projects or other activities, conduct research

into the water quality impacts of following innovative lawn care practices.

Universities with demo plots showing lawn care and nutrient reduction results of lower P (lower N)

Potentially arrange industry training courses for county and city employees (or their contractors) on how to correctly apply fertilizers.

Others?

Comments….

Questions?