A newly published report from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) highlights significant knowledge gaps among Floridians regarding the proper use of lawn fertilizer.
The report, conducted by UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education (PIE Center) researchers, found that while 35 counties and 97 municipalities in Florida have fertilizer ordinances, 60.6% of surveyed residents were unaware of whether they lived in an area governed by such an ordinance.
READ: UF/IFAS To Host Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference
To address this lack of awareness, the PIE Center and the UF/IFAS Center for Land Use Efficiency have launched a public awareness campaign to educate Floridians on best practices for lawn fertilization. Survey results and strategies for improving public education will be presented during a free webinar on April 7th, targeted towards landscape professionals, educators, policymakers, and the public. Supporting materials are also available through an online toolkit.
The PIE Center survey involved 929 adult residents across the state who had fertilized lawns, either personally or through a landscaper. The survey revealed that most participants used products that combine turf growth and weed control.
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Key findings of the survey include:
- Over half of respondents fertilized their lawns regularly.
- Most determined fertilizer application amounts by reading package instructions or relying on landscapers.
- Nearly two-thirds had not had their soil tested in the last 12 months, and an additional 19.6% were unsure.
- While 82.9% of respondents considered universities the most trusted source of fertilizer information, 75.5% had never visited their county Extension office, where UF/IFAS offers free guidance.
- When asked about preferred learning sources, respondents favored online videos, printed materials, and television.
The research team found encouraging signs in respondents’ willingness to learn more about residential fertilizer use and ordinances.
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“Despite lacking awareness, most respondents had positive views on residential fertilizer ordinances and future implementation,” the report stated. “Subject matter experts, policy makers and community leaders have an opportunity to utilize these findings to better inform the public on fertilizer policy and recommendations.”
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