Environment

Alachua County’s annual fertilizer ban takes effect through February

Alachua County’s seasonal prohibition on landscape fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus began Wednesday and runs through February 28. The countywide ban aims to prevent fertilizer runoff from reaching stormwater systems, lakes, and the aquifer, where it can trigger algae outbreaks. Exemptions exist for vegetable gardens and fruit trees, but fertilizer cannot be applied within 10 feet of any body of water, and any spills on paved surfaces must be cleaned up immediately.

Sources: WCJB TV20 · Alachua County