Basics of Organic Land Care
Organic Land Care develops an attractive, safe, and useful landscape,
using appropriate methods and materials chosen to respect the natural
ecology of the land and the long-term health of the environment. No
synthetic pesticides or synthetic fertilizers are used.
What Is Natural Organic Fertilizer?
Natural organic fertilizers
are made from composted manure, mineral, or plant products. If it
doesn't sound like an animal, vegetable, or mineral, it probably isn't
organic. Read the label!
What Are the Benefits of Organic Fertilizer?
The benefits of
natural organic fertilizers are that they feed the beneficial soil
microorganisms, break down slowly, and provide micro-nutrients. Organic
fertilizers are also less likely to run off your lawn when it rains than
synthetic fertilizers. Nutrient runoff from lawns and farms creates
nitrogen and phosphorus-polluted “dead zones” in our streams, rivers and
oceans.
Promote “PESTICIDE-FREE”
Show your neighbors that pesticide-free lawns are important for the
health of children, families, pets, the environment and the community.
Display an attractive “Pesticide-Free Zone” sign: www.beyondpesticides.org/pesticidefreelawns/pfzsign/index.htm
Warnings
Recently Banned Pesticides: The EPA has determined that products containing Chlorpyrifos (Dursban™, Lorsban™) or Diazinon, pose unacceptable health risks.
Sewage Sludge in Fertilizer : Sewage sludge-based organic
fertilizer, such as Milorganite, Oceangro, Allgro, and Meadowlife, may
contain elevated concentrations of metals and other potentially toxic
materials. Metal levels in sewage sludge-based fertilizers are generally
higher than metal levels in animal and plant-based organic fertilizers .
Read product labels to find animal and vegetable based organic
fertilizers.
Pesticide in Compost: Do not compost grass clippings treated with
herbicides, and be aware that commercially available compost is likely
to contain pesticides.
Chemical Hazards
Organic Pest Control for Gardens
Other Resources and Organizations
Reporting Pesticide Abuse
If you see anyone dumping pesticides or applying them in an
inappropriate way, please call the New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection at 1-877-927-6337 (1-877-WARNDEP)