As the first raindrop hits the ground, marking the onset of the rainy season, Miami-Dade County is gearing up for its annual Fertilizer Awareness Week commencing Monday, May 15. This innovative initiative aims to enlighten citizens on the significance of fertilizer restrictions that safeguard our local aquatic environments, particularly the Biscayne Bay watershed.
Miami-Dade County, famous for its tropical climate, experiences an average rainfall of seven to nine inches monthly. While these torrents create a lush landscape, they also usher in a less desirable consequence: fertilizer runoff. This runoff, a cocktail of nitrogen, phosphorus, and other chemicals, washes from our lawns and landscapes into the stormwater systems, canals, and eventually seeps into the groundwater. This relentless cycle propels these pollutants toward the Biscayne Bay watershed, instigating a chain of ecological repercussions.
In a commendable move in 2021, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners enacted an ordinance prohibiting the use of nitrogen and phosphorus-based fertilizers on turf and landscape plants from May 15 to October 31. These elements, though essential for plant growth, are notorious for exacerbating nutrient pollution in Biscayne Bay when present in excessive amounts.
The surplus of nutrients in bay waters triggers a phenomenon known as algal blooms – rampant growth of algae that forms a green carpet on the water surface, inhibiting sunlight penetration. This results in dwindling oxygen levels beneath, creating a hostile environment for marine life. The grave reality of this situation is evident from the fish kills witnessed in recent years, primarily attributed to low levels of dissolved oxygen in the bay waters.
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, a staunch advocate of the environment, urges citizens to act responsibly. “With a simple action, we can all help protect our Biscayne Bay so that we may enjoy it for generations to come,” she implores. The Mayor encourages residents to refrain from using fertilizers during the rainy season or consider alternatives like planting trees and flora that thrive without fertilizers, such as native and Florida-friendly plants.
The ordinance has demonstrated tangible success, ensuring that the sacred marine life of Biscayne Bay remains unscathed, even amidst the downpours. Commissioner Eileen Higgins praised the initiative, stating, “Since its adoption, the County’s Fertilizer Ordinance has helped reduce nutrient pollution, improve the health of marine life, and build a more resilient community for us.”
As the rainy season looms once again, Fertilizer Awareness Week serves as a timely reminder for residents and businesses alike. The collective effort of each individual in forgoing the use of fertilizer can contribute significantly to saving our beloved Bay. The fight against fertilizer runoff is a fight for a sustainable future, and every small step we take moves us closer to winning that battle.
