Annually, on June 1, a period begins during which no fertilizers containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus may be applied within the Town of Orchid in order to protect the health of the Indian River Lagoon.
This period, which ends September 30, coincides with Florida’s “rainy season”, which is very much by design and aligns with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's best management practices.
Striving for eco-friendliness in order to keep the lagoon safe from the negative effects of excess nitrogen and phosphorus is a shared goal within the community.
Excess nitrogen and phosphorus in water bodies, often from stormwater runoff, causes eutrophication (excessive enrichment), which promotes harmful algal blooms and eventually dead zones.
That’s because these blooms block sunlight, thereby hindering healthy aquatic plant growth. Decomposition of these plants depletes oxygen, harming fish and other aquatic life. Additionally, a dearth of seagrass negatively impacts the gentle giants of the lagoon, manatees, who enjoy a good riverbed salad.
Of course, the Indian River Lagoon is also recognized as an asset critical to the environmental, recreational, cultural, and economic well-being and health of Orchid’s own residents.
Professional applicators should hold appropriate licensure to apply fertilizers and should be up to date with all regulations.
Nevertheless, reminding locally engaged landscapers that it is important to the community that they avoid fertilizing with nitrogen- and phosphorus-containing products during these next several months pursuant to the Town of Orchid’s Code of Ordinances may be helpful in gaining complete compliance.