Let's Ban Phosphorus in the Great Lakes

Ideally, the days of phosphorus-based fertilizers would be numbered in Michigan. The State House has passed a ban on lawn fertilizers that use the nutrient. 

Michiganders, in a quest for beautiful lawns, have been spreading on phosphorus-based fertilizers for years. The problem is, excess phosphorus runs off into drains and ditches, and makes for fertilized lakes. There, it helps spur the growth of algae, which dies off and washes up on our beaches as stinky muck.

So the House deserves credit for taking a step to ban muck-making lawn fertilizers.

The legislation's chances are unclear in the Senate. If House Bill 5368 were to make it to Gov. Jennifer Granholm's desk and be signed, most residents wouldn't be able to use phosphorus-based fertilizers, except for those with new lawns or lawns with low-phosphorus soil. 

The experts say most lawns won't miss phosphorus. It's already been banned in several counties in Michigan, where lawns still look nice and there's less of the nutrient in waterways.

The House legislation would exempt agriculture from a ban. Like we said, it's a step in the right direction, not perfect, or ideal. More restrictions and safeguards are still needed. 

--- Photo Credit: Great Lakes Sea Grant