The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has recently adopted and posted the Turfgrass Best Management Practices (BMPs) for nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer use in Minnesota. Please see highlights from the announcement below.

The purpose of the BMPs is to protect water quality while at the same time being economical and practical to implement. They refer to practices relating to the timing, rate, placement and source of fertilizer application and other practices that increase fertilizer use efficiency and decrease potential loss to the environment.

Draft BMPs were posted for review and comment on July 31, 2017 in the State Register.  The final adopted BMPs are based on comments received from turfgrass managers, turfgrass fertilizer manufacturers, university specialists, state agency specialists, and educators.  The MDA appreciates the input it received and thanks the Turfgrass Science Program at the University of Minnesota for their partnership in preparing the document.

The BMPs for nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer use on turfgrass can be used as a stand-alone document or used as a source document for developing targeted outreach publications and programs. In the coming months the Minnesota Department of Agriculture will develop a short guidance document based on the BMPs that is primarily focused on homeowners.

 A copy of the final BMP document is available at www.mda.state.mn.us/turffertilizerbmps or by contacting Jen Schaust, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, jen.schaust@state.mn.us, 651-201-6322.