The warmer weather tells us that spring has finally arrived. Many homeowners are anxious to begin yard and garden work, including putting on fertilizer.
Some homeowners just go to the nearest lawn and garden shop and pick up a bag of fertilizer.
The nutritional needs of your lawn and garden are probably unique. You won't know for sure unless you first test your soil. For new lawns, the figure only drops to 87 percent. Phosphorus is a major pollutant of Iowa's surface waters. Over-application can end up going into storm drains where it can contribute to poor water quality in Iowa's rivers, streams and lakes.