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26 . 3 Fertilize Appropriately PREVENT POLLUTION l'o X-I AND MAXIMIZE PLANT HEALTH All plants need nutrients for growth. They must obtain example,yellowing areas that appear to be mirror images these nutrients from the soil or other medium in which on a plant leaf),whereas pathogenic (e.g., fungal or bacte- they're growing. Gardeners can also provide supplemental rial) problems tend to appear more randomly on the plant. nutrients to plants by applying fertilizers in the form of Remember that many nutrient deficiencies look similar. composted organic material, packaged fertilizer, or a spe- Any time you're not certain of what ails a plant, take a cific mineral such as iron. sample into your county Extension office for help. Plants have varying nutrient needs, depending on the species, SOIL TESTING the age of the plant,and its location. Its not always necessary A soil test can help you understand what nutrients are to fertilize your plants or lawn,but if you choose to fertilize, present in your soil. This is important for deciding what its important that you do so properly.This section will help nutrients, if any,you should add.Your county Extension you correctly choose and apply the right type of fertilizer. office can help you with this. For more information about testing your soil, see page 7. Too much fertilizer can weaken a plant, promote disease, and invite pests, in addition to wasting money and harmPREVENTING POLLUTION - ing the environment. It also means more pruning and mowing. So consider your plants'needs carefully before applying any fertilizer, and always follow label directions Fertilizer is a powerful tool that can help plants thrive—if when using fertilizer. used appropriately. If applied incorrectly, it can not only harm plants,but also the environment.To prevent water pol- FERTILIZER COMPONENTS lution from nutrient leaching and runoff,always follow these Most fertilizers available for use in the home landscape or steps when fertilizing your lawn or landscape. garden are blends of several elements mixed together to achieve a specific formulation of plant nutrients. IN GENERAL • Follow OF/IFAS recommendations. Ideal rates,appli- MACRONUTRIENTS cation timings,and formulas are different for different Macronutrients are nutrients required by plants in relatively plants. large amounts for optimum plant growth. The three main nutrients contained in fertilizers are nitrogen (N),phospho- • Choose slow-release products. Look for fertilizers rus (P), and potassium (K), represented by three numbers with slow-release nutrients.They should include potassium that appear on the bag.A complete fertilizer will contain all and little or no phosphorus. three of the major plant nutrients. Other macronutrients include calcium (Ca), magnesium(Mg),and sulfur (S). • Keep fertilizer off hard surfaces. If fertilizer gets spilled on a hard surface(like a driveway),sweep it up MICRONUTRIENTS and dispose of it. Fertilizers can wash into storm drains Micronutrients are nutrients most plants need in small quan- and from there into a nearby water body. tities and are sometimes referred to as trace elements or minor elements.These nutrients—which include boron(B), chlorine (Cl),copper(Cu),iron(Fe),manganese(Mn), molybdenum(Mo),and zinc(Zn)—are often available in suf- ficient quantities in the soil,but are also present in many fer- tilizers.Micronutrients are also sold as individual nutrients. ARE FERTILIZERS NEEDED? e " Before you use fertilizer,you should always determine if ' it's really needed. Keep in mind that certain plants are more prone to specific kinds of nutrient deficiencies (for example, ixora and palms tend to run low on manganese). VISUAL SIGNS Your plants will indicate when they lack certain nutri- ents—you just have to know what to look for. Plant Do not rinse fertilizer into storm drains. nutrient deficiency symptoms are often symmetrical (for 595, 3 A Florida-Friendly Landscapine Publication