Urban NMP

Washington County Conservation District

2898 Point Circle #2

Fayetteville, AR 72704

To contact us:

Phone: (479)442-4160 ext. 3

Fax: (479)444-8726

E-mail: casey.dunigan@ar.nacdnet.net

Introduction

The Urban Nutrient Management Planning project was to developed by the Washington County Conservation District in cooperation with the Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission (ASWCC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to improve vegetative growth, reduce the cost of fertilizing, and aid in reducing urban contributions to non-point source pollution by educating landowners about water quality issues. This project receives funding through the EPA and the ASWCC and is scheduled from July 1, 2003 to October 1, 2006.

Project Goals and Objectives

The goals and objectives of this project are to implement Best Management Practices (BMP’s) throughout urban portions of the Illinois River Watershed in Washington County. Using BMP’s will aid in reducing phosphorus pollution generated by runoff from lawns and gardens of urban and suburban properties. The areas of concentration for the project include all urban areas where commercial and animal waste fertilizers are used.

Urban Nutrient Management Plans (UNMP’s)

Following on site visits, the district will:

-Produce a simple plan that will identify the potential fertilized

vegetation (lawn or garden type)

-Collect soil samples

-Use this information to provide urban landowners proper fertilizer

application rates and dates for optimal application.

Best Management Practices

BMP’s are cost effective, land management practices that promote plant growth and result in preservation or improvement in water quality.

Nutrient Management is designed to manage the amount, source, placement, form, and timing of nutrients and soil amendments.

Proper Lawn Watering Practices promote the proper timing and control of the volume of water that is used by urban lawn managers.

Improved grass cutting practices include recommendations for clipping grass to optimal heights, preventing grass diseases resulting from improper clipping, and mulching to return nutrients to the soil thereby reducing the grass’s requirements for any additional nutrients.

Filter Strips are vegetated areas in which fertilizers are not applied in order to reduce nutrient runoff.

Proper Vegetative Planting will ensure vigorous healthy lawns that will reduce the risks of soil erosion

Structural (Landscape) Practices are appropriate where steep slopes prevent the establishment of proper ground cover

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an approach to controlling pests that relies first on non-chemical methods with the judicious use of pesticides when warranted.