Have you ever noticed a body of water that looks brown or discolored? A culprit may be fertilizer. Fertilizer starts off in our yards but can be washed by rain or excess irrigation into storm drains, ditches, streams, or rivers — and eventually in the Lagoon. Once it reaches a body of water, the phosphorus and nitrogen present in fertilizers can accelerate toxin-producing algal blooms. As algae decomposes, oxygen in the water is reduced, which contributes to fish kills and seagrass loss. Seagrass provides habitat and a food source for many species in the lagoon, including fish, crustaceans, and manatees. But there are many things you can do to help protect our Lagoon’s water quality and seagrass.

What You Can Do
Eliminate the need for fertilizer altogether by replacing supplement dependent features with Lagoon-friendly plants and ground cover. The deep root systems of certain plants can even increase the soil’s ability to store water, which can significantly reduce water runoff and flooding. Ask your local nursery for advice on how to select the right plant for the right place.

Purchase a Lagoon-friendly Plant now!