(A) Fertilizers applied to turf must be applied in accordance with requirements and directions provided by Rule 5E-1.003, Florida Administrative Code, “Fertilizer Label Requirements for Urban Turf, Sports Turf or Lawns” (2016), as this regulation may be amended from time to time.
(B) Nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer may not be applied to turf or landscape plants except as provided in division (A) for turf, or in the University of Florida/IFAS recommendations for landscape plants, vegetable gardens, and fruit trees and shrubs, unless a soil or tissue deficiency has been verified by an approved test. Soil and tissue tests for phosphorus are normally done by UF/IFAS or another accredited laboratory. IFAS recommendations are available from the County Extension Service or http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/lawn and garden/.
(C) No fertilizer containing phosphorus may be applied to turf, sod, lawns, or landscape plants unless a soil or plant tissue deficiency is verified by a testing methodology approved by the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. If a deficiency is verified, the application of fertilizer containing phosphorus must adhere to the rates and directions for the appropriate region of Florida, as adopted by Florida Administrative Code rule. This division (C) controls over any inconsistent provisions in divisions (A) and (B) above regarding phosphorus.
(D) Fertilizers containing nitrogen applied to turn or landscaping plants within the city must contain no less than 50% slow release nitrogen per guaranteed analysis label. If the necessary product is available on the local commercial market on March 1, 2020, then this requirement will increase to no less than 65% slow release nitrogen effective on this date. This division (D) controls over any inconsistent provisions in divisions (A) and (B) above regarding nitrogen.
(E) The above referenced application rates must be reduced appropriately on properties where reclaimed wastewater is used for irrigation based on available nutrients in the reclaimed water as reported by the provider of the reclaimed water.
(Ord. 1569, passed 7-27-17)