Ron Struss, Regional Extension Educator, University of Minnesota Extension Service, 651-215-1950

The Law: After January 1, 2005, phosphorus fertilizer cannot be used on lawns in Minnesota unless one of the following exceptions is met:

Exceptions: Phosphorus fertilizer can be used on lawns in Minnesota when:

What to look for on your fertilizer bag.

• Establishing a new lawn by seed or sod.
• Soil testing shows need for phosphorus fertilization.
• Fertilizer is applied by golf course staff that have taken state approved training.
• Phosphorus fertilizer was purchased before August 1, 2004 and is used outside of the seven county metro area.

Minnesota law also requires spilled and over spread fertilizer, whether containing phophorus or not, to be cleaned up immediately.

For soil testing information, contact the U of MN Soil Test Lab at 612-625-3101 or visit them at the “Yard and Garden” section on the web.

Look for the middle number! A string of three numbers on a fertilizer bag show its analysis – the middle number being phosphate (phosphorus) content A “zero in the middle” means phosphorus-free fertilizer.

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