Freedom from phosphorus

I know Spokane County residents are concerned about the proposed phosphorus ban in fertilizers for lawn use, but they need not be. While it is an essential element for good plant growth, it is in good natural supply in Eastern Washington soils. Leaving your clippings on the lawn should provide all you need.

You can still use phosphorus in your gardens, on new lawns and on farms (all places it’s needed) but not elsewhere (where it’s not needed). While it is true that phosphorus binds to soil particles, soils can erode, become waterlogged, and any fertilizer that falls on bare ground or impervious surfaces ends up in the storm drain and then the river. Let’s not fret this one, folks; it should even save us some money.

Michael T. Harves

Spokane