Profact Fertilizer

[Adah]

Thisfour-hour online class, led by Dr. James Murphy (Extension Specialist in Turf Management and the Director of the Rutgers Center for Turfgrass Science) and Brad Park (Rutgers Agronomist), will teach and review important concepts for turf fertilization to maintain healthy turf and protect water quality.

The class will also review the New Jersey fertilizer law (New Jersey Act P.L. 2010, c. 112), which establishes standards for fertilizer applications to turf, requires certification of professional fertilizer applicators, and regulates labeling and sale of specialty fertilizers for turf.

Dr. Murphy is the Extension Specialist in Turfgrass Management at Rutgers University. He conducts extension and research programs related to identifying best management practices for turfgrasses grown in the metropolitan region around New Jersey. His work often focuses on developing a better understanding of turfgrass response to soil-related stresses. He is internationally recognized as an authority on best management practices that enhance the stress tolerance, persistence, and environmental benefits of cool-season turf.

Brad Park is a Laboratory Researcher with the Rutgers Department of Plant Biology. Brad performs traffic stress research on cool-season turfgrass species commonly established for sports fields. He routinely visits athletic facilities in New Jersey to assist turf managers in solving problems associated with high traffic sports fields. He is also actively involved in research projects concerning low-input turfgrasses for public grounds, home lawns, and highway roadsides.

This online course will be delivered via Zoom. The day before the class starts, registrants will receive an email with a link to access the course. You will also receive a document with tips on how to use Zoom.

Each registrant will be asked provide a photo of him/herself holding their government-issued photo ID. This is required by credit boards so that you may receive credits for participating in this online course.

There are multiple programs and projects throughout New Jersey that are centered on environmentally-friendly or sustainable landscaping and/or yard care. These programs target homeowners and provide guidance on various steps they can take to reduce the environmental impact of their land care practices. For example, they cover the planting of native vegetation to reduce their chemical fertilizer and pesticide use, conducting soil tests to maintain soil health, composting yard, home, and garden waste, and strategies to conserve water used for landscape and lawn irrigation.

To fill this gap, below are descriptions of various programs that provide certification to landscape and/or lawn care companies that help to protect the environment as well as any available directories for homeowners to locate any such certified companies. The inclusion of these resources will help homeowners interested in finding a landscape professional that meets their sustainable yard care needs.

There are many online resources available to those who are interested in finding an environmentally-friendly landscape professional. Rutgers University resources (indicated with Rutgers, NJAES) can be counted on to provide reliable and verified information that is specific to New Jersey residents. In many cases, these Rutgers resources should be the first stop for reliable knowledge.

It is worth noting that many of these resources were compiled several years ago and that you may need to verify that the company is either still certified by the program it is listed under or that they have maintained the same certified staff and/or experience to carry out your specific needs.

In addition, the ProFACT Trained Applicators List lists those trained applicators approved to apply fertilizer under the direct supervision of a CFA. Trained Fertilizer Applicators must receive annual training through the ProFACT program.

A rain garden is a landscaped feature consisting of a shallow depression that collects rainwater and melting snow. The rain garden allows for water to infiltrate slowly back into the soil and reduces any stormwater runoff issues, such as flooding and nonpoint source pollution. Many factors go into the proper siting, design, and installation of an effective rain garden.

The Eco-Directory lists landscape professionals who promote ecologically and environmentally sound landscaping practices in their business. The directory is searchable by keyword, State, or specialty area (such as native plants, pollinators, or xeriscaping). While certification is not required to be included in this directory, each listing also includes any certifications the company may have acquired.

The Organic Land Care Professionals guide lists those organic land care professionals who have completed all accreditation requirements with the NOFA OLC Program and who follow the NOFA Standards for Organic Land Care when offering organic services. The guide is a clickable map of the United States for homeowners to select their state of residence and then obtain a listing of all the NOFA OLC certified landscapers in that state. Once at the state listing, one may select their county of interest or narrow the list by the types of landscape services offered.

Disclaimer: The author recognizes that they have not created an exhaustive list and that new resources may be available from several sources listed here, new sources created after publication of this page, or from those inadvertently omitted from this page.

Since 1978, Grass Roots, Inc. focuses on service, technical support and quality products. We pride ourselves on our ability to make solid recommendations to the turf care professional and deliver products in a timely manner.

Storr Tractor has been serving the turf industry since 1945. We have been recognized as the top distributor in the U.S. We strive to be state of the art organization through the innovative technologies.

Plant Food Company, Inc. is a family-owned business passionate about helping our customers grow and succeed. We are a dedicated team of industry professionals and a premium liquid fertilizer manufacturer.

Landscapers and tree management services can have a profound effect on a township's ecosystem health. With sustainable landscaping and healthy trees the soil, the plants, animals and even the residents benefit from healthier air and soil.

Consider grassy areas that could converted to any multitude of gardens such as meadow grasses, wildflower gardens, other alternative ground covers or rain gardens to lower the time and cost of mowing. (Rutgers student paper on alternative ground covers)

Testing soil is typically required and reduces costs when it may not be necessary. To build healthy soil, increase its organic matter, restore proper pH, and reduce the application of fungicides and acidic fertilizers.

Berkeley Heights is extremely sensitive to wet seasons. Because of soil composition, rainwater here tends to go directly into storm drains which has a higher potential to pollute waterways. The soil itself and plantings are the best filter for this water. The New Jersey Stormwater Best Practices Manual aims to design natural systems that get stormwater absorbed efficiently by both the land and plantings.

Apply water infrequently and allow the soil to dry in between. Native plants naturally endure droughts. Consider an irrigation audit to ensure best practices are being followed. Automatic irrigation systems are also required to have rain sensors to avoid overwatering.

Fertilizing your lawn can easily be a wasteful endeavor if done without certain considerations. Generally, fertilizer is best applied when plants need food or are actively growing. Otherwise, expensive fertilizer washes straight into storm drains.

The law also requires the use of soil tests, and it is best practice to do one for the best results (explained below). The fertilizer law also requires all lawn care professionals who apply fertilizer to be certified so they know how and when to apply fertilizer.

A limited amount of nitrogen and phosphorus is important for healthy plant life. However, an overabundance not only harms lawns, but fertilizers washing into waterways can stimulate excessive algae and weed growth. This in turn depletes oxygen from the water and reduces the sunlight needed for healthy aquatic life. This is one-way algae blooms occur.

Soil tests save money by showing the appropriate application of nutrients and lime. Don't apply nutrients that your soil doesn't need; instead, invest in nutrients that will bring about healthy growth and yields.

We humans heavily influence this cycle. From the rain running off impervious surfaces until it rises back into the atmosphere, water carrying anything we store, drop, or dispose of on the ground can harm marine life.

Think of your yard (soil, plants, trees) as a great filter. Water that is allowed to seep into the ground where it falls, filters nearly every harmful element that could otherwise wash directly into a storm drain and immediately into a stream, river, or ocean.

Also, involve an arborist when appropriate. Be sure to advise your customers on alternatives to removing mature and healthy trees. If you don't have an arborist on your team, consider recommending one for appropriate projects or having one on speed dial.

Founded in 2007, All Seasons Turf Management (ASTM) set out to be a leader in the specialized lawn care industry. We began as a grass roots, family-owned and operated company, providing outstanding premium services for our customers. Almost 10 years later, we are still on the leading edge of knowledge and information technologies used to deliver superior lawn service. Through extensive certification, licensing, and consistent educational practices, we'll continue our proud tradition of bringing you the outcome you desire.

ASTM is owned by and operated by Tim and Susan Atayon. Our son Adnan is also a licensed and certified field technician. Over the years, our business has been featured in various publications including NJ BUSINESS. We're active in our local communities, supporting the NJ Cancer Society, and participating in the Paint the Town Pink campaign.

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