Source: https://www.ecode360.com/28543701
Timestamp: 2018-10-23 05:51:06
Document Index: 96492017

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 1']

Township of Morris, NJ Fertilizer Use
Ch 434 Art IV Fertilizer Use
§ 434-19 Purpose.
§ 434-20 Findings; applicability.
§ 434-21 Definitions; word usage.
§ 434-22 Prohibited conduct.
§ 434-23 Phosphorus fertilizer application.
§ 434-24 Enforcement.
§ 434-25 Violations and penalties.
Chapter 434 Stormwater Management
Article IV: Fertilizer Use
[Adopted 12-16-2009 by Ord. No. 29-09 (Ch. 65A of the 1969 Code)]
Chapter 434: Stormwater Management Article IV Fertilizer Use
§ 434-19 Purpose. [1]
The purpose of this article is to regulate the outdoor application of fertilizer so as to reduce the overall amount of excess nutrients entering waterways, thereby helping to protect and improve surface water quality.
Elevated levels of nutrients, particularly phosphorus, in surface water bodies can result in excessive and accelerated growth of algae and aquatic plants (eutrophication). Excessive plant growth can result in diurnal variations and extremes in dissolved oxygen and pH, which, in turn, can be detrimental to aquatic life. As algae and plant materials die off, the decay process creates a further demand on dissolved oxygen levels. The presence of excessive plant matter can also restrict use of the affected water for recreation and water supply. While healthy vegetated areas are protective of water quality by stabilizing soil and filtering precipitation, when fertilizers are applied to the land surface improperly or in excess of the needs of target vegetation, nutrients can be transported by means of stormwater to nearby waterways, contributing to the problematic growth of excessive aquatic vegetation. Most soils in New Jersey contain sufficient amounts of phosphorus to support adequate root growth for established turf. Over time, it is necessary to replenish available phosphorus, but generally not at the levels commonly applied. Other target vegetation, such as vegetable gardens and agricultural/horticultural plantings, will have a greater need for phosphorus application, as will the repair or establishment of new lawns or cover vegetation. A soils test and fertilizer application recommendation geared to the soil and planting type is the best means to determine the amount of nutrients to apply. Timing and placement of fertilizer application is also critical to avoid transport of nutrients to waterways through stormwater runoff. Fertilizer applied immediately prior to a runoff-producing rainfall, outside the growing season or to impervious surfaces is most likely to be carried away by means of runoff without accomplishing the desired objective of supporting target vegetation growth. Therefore, the management of the type, amount and techniques for fertilizer application is necessary as one tool to protect water resources.
This article does not apply to application of fertilizer on commercial farms, but improper application of fertilizer on farms would be problematic as well. Stewardship on the part of commercial farmers is needed to address this potential source of excess nutrient load to water bodies. Commercial farmers are expected to implement best management practices in accordance with conservation management plans or resource conservation plans developed for the farm by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and approved by the Soil Conservation District Board.
A fertilizer material, mixed fertilizer or any other substance containing one or more recognized plant nutrients, which is used for its plant nutrient content, which is designed for use or claimed to have value in promoting plant growth, and which is sold, offered for sale or intended for sale.
A surface that has been covered with a layer of material so that it is highly resistant to infiltration by water. This term shall be used to include any highway, street, sidewalk, parking lot, driveway or other material that prevents infiltration of water into the soil.
Apply fertilizer more than 15 days prior to the start of or at any time after the end of the recognized growing season, March 15 to October 31. Should the ground still be frozen or susceptible to heavy frost, the March 15 starting date shall be rescheduled to a date where the threat of frost and frozen ground conditions no longer exist. Likewise, should frost occur prior to October 31, care should be given to applying fertilizer when the colder weather sets in and the likelihood of frozen, or continuously frosted, ground will not allow the applied fertilizer to break down and be absorbed into the lawn.
No person may apply phosphorus fertilizer in outdoor areas except as demonstrated to be needed for the specific soils and target vegetation in accordance with a soils test and the associated annual fertilizer recommendation issued by Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension.
Exceptions. Subsection A of this section shall not apply to:[1]
Application of phosphorus fertilizer that delivers liquid or granular fertilizer under the soil's surface, directly to the feeder roots.
Application of phosphorus fertilizer to residential container plantings, flowerbeds or vegetable gardens.
§ 434-25 Violations and penalties. [1]
Any person(s) found to be in violation of the provisions of this article shall be punishable as provided in § 1-3, General penalty, of this Code.