Each year, Volusia County has a summertime fertilizer ban and initiates other restrictions to protect the county’s waterways.

Volusia County Bans Fertilizer each Summer

Ordinance 2014-09 applies to all homes and businesses in Volusia County, except those in Deltona and DeBary, which have their own fertilizer ordinances. Gardens and compost are exempt.

The ordinance includes the following provisions: The application of fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorous is prohibited from June 1 through September 30 of each year. Fertilizer may not be applied within 15 feet of water bodies. The application of fertilizers containing phosphorous is prohibited unless a deficiency is verified.

Fertilizer containing nitrogen may be applied only between October 1 and May 31 and must contain no less than 50 percent slow-release nitrogen. The University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences offers tests for phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium content in soil.

For more information about fertilizer use and soil testing, call the University of Florida/Volusia County Extension at (386) 822-5778. For soil testing forms and more information, visit: SoilsLab.ifas.ufl.edu