Environmentally friendly
fertilizers provide nutrients and won't pollute.
In the past, homeowners often treated their lawns with traditional lawn chemicals without considering the effects of these chemicals on the environment. Scientific studies show these chemicals leach into groundwater and waterways, causing the overgrowth of aquatic plants and fish kills. Because of this evidence, many homeowners now seek more environmentally friendly lawn fertilizers and pest control methods to treat lawns.
Compost
Compost is decomposed organic matter such as grass clippings, leaves, some kitchen waste and wood scraps. With moisture and heat, this mixtures breaks down into rich, dark, loamy material that adds nutrients to lawns and helps to condition the soil so that it retains water better. It also encourages the growth of microorganisms that keep soil healthy and attracts earthworms that keep soil aerated. According to King County, Washington's solid-waste division, you should spread a 1/2-inch layer of compost on your lawn in the spring and fall. Using compost is an environmentally friendly way to fertilize your lawn.
Manure
Throughout history, people have used animal manure to fertilizer their crops. It contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which are all elements that healthy plants need. One of the drawbacks of using fresh manure is the bad odor. Fortunately, processing manure removes the odor, leaving an innocuous, dark material that adds the needed nutrients and helps to improve the condition of soil. According to Trugreen Lawn Care, manure releases its nutrients slowly over time and does not add chemicals to the environment, so it is a good choice for those looking for an environmentally friendly way to care for their lawns.
Bone Meal
Bone meal is the crushed bones of slaughtered animals that are sterilized and processed as a non-toxic fertilizer for use in gardens and on lawns. It contains nitrogen and phosphorus that releases slowly into soil to prevent burning of plant cells. According to The Organic Gardener, it promotes strong roots in lawns with drought-resistant grasses. Do not use bone meal on soils that have a high pH, as it will increase the alkalinity.
Fish Emulsion
Ancient cultures used the fertilizing attributes of fish, and its use as an environmentally friendly fertilizer is growing in popularity on lawns and in gardens. Danny Lipford recommends it as a potent soil amendment to add nitrogen and trace elements to plants. It releases nutrients more quickly than other organic fertilizers, so you can use it as a quick boost for lawns in the spring
Commercial Organic Fertilizers
Many lawn chemical manufacturers offer organic products that are more environmentally friendly than their traditional lines of lawn-care products. These organic products contain mixtures of the same materials listed here, but can be much more expensive than the individual materials.
