HomeMy WebLinkAboutKnow your nitrogen - Alliance for Chesapeake BayAlliance for the Chesapeake Bay
Nitrogen. It comprises
80 percent of the air we
breathe. Without it, plants
could not grow. It's an
element so common to living
things that it is hard to call
this simple element danger-
ous.
But nitrogen in our
water -- in the form of nitrate
nitrogen -- can be lethal to
life in our waterways. Un-
naturally high doses of
nitrogen in our streams, lakes
and bays can trigger an
imbalance in the ecosystem
with drastic consequences
(see page 2).
Most of the nitrogen
overloads come from big-time
sources, namely agriculture,
sewage treatment plants, and
electric power plants. But it
also comes from the average
home, from inside your
bathroom to the cars parked
in your driveway.
In addition to ex-
plaining where nitrogen is
generated around a typical
home, this fact sheet includes
a worksheet on page 3 that
actually quantifies your
annual nitrogen output. The
last page is a sampler of
changes you can make to turn
this number around. We can
all do our part to help solve a
big problem.
blue-grass and fine fescue,
can actually harm lawns by
promoting more leaf growth
than root growth;
2) messy spreading: carelessly
applying fertilizer near streets
or other paved surfaces,
allowing rain to wash the
nutrients into storm sewers,
which eventually empty into
a nearby stream and river;
3) feeding plants now not later:
using a form of nitrogen that
is water-soluble and thus
immediately available to the
plant. This can be a poor
choice if the soil drains easily,
allowing nitrogen to leach
into the ground water. Water-
soluble ammonium nitrate is
one of the cheapest sources of
nitrogen in bulk-blend garden
and lawn fertilizers. It gives
an immediate green-up in
both tomatoes and turf. But
watch out if your soils are
sandy and likely to drain the
nitrate nitrogen into under-
ground water supplies.
SEWAGE TREATMENT
Most rural and some
suburban homeowners use
on-lot septic systems to treat
their human waste (black
water) and waste water from
household fixtures such as
baths, sinks, and washing
machines (grey water). These
waste waters are piped to an
underground tank which
traps the solids and disperses
the liquids throughout an
absorption field. Here, the
soil neutralizes the waste.
Once in the soil,
nitrogen is removed primarily
through denitrification
(conversion to nitrogen gas).
Rates of denitrification vary
widely, depending on such
factors as type of soil and
amount of water added to the
ground.
The problem is that
even properly working septic
systems do little to remove
nitrogen. Most of the nitrogen
leaves the sewage disposal
system absorption area,
potentially to enter ground
and surface water.
Municipal sewage
treatment plants are not
required by state law to
remove nitrogen from sewage
effluent. Pennsylvania is,
however, studying the
feasibility of removing
nitrogen at 16 major munici-
pal sewage treatment plants
(called biological nitrogen
removal).
Know Your Nitrogen
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FERTILIZERS
Complete fertilizers
contain nitrogen, phosphorus
and potassium, represented
by the three digit code on
every fertilizer bag, such as
10-10-10 or 16-4-8. All
fertilizers vary in their
nutrient analysis, availability
to plants, and reactions with
the soil.
Before you reach for
the nearest bag of weed 'n
feed, consider what poor
fertilizer choices can mean for
your lawn or the environ-
ment:
1) bad timing: applying
fertilizer at the wrong time of
the year. Spring applications
to common cool-season
grasses, such as Kentucky
Funding for this fact sheet was
provided by the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental
Protection with the support of
EPA's Section 319 Nonpoint
Source Program funds. The
Alliance for the Chesapeake
Bay is a non-profit organiza-
tion dedicated to involving and
informing the public about
issues and events that affect
the Chesapeake Bay.
HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS
Household cleaners for glass, ovens, and vinyl siding
often contain ammonia, a form of nitrogen. Some containers
use spray or pump nozzles that unavoidably send nitrogen
particles into the air never reaching their target. Simply
rinsing buckets, rags and old containers can send nitrogen-
laden residue to your local sewage treatment plant (which
does not treat toxics like household cleaners), to a local
stream via stormwater pipes, or into the ground water
through the septic system. If household cleaners are harmful
to humans, imagine what such products can do to the tiniest
of aquatic life.
AIRBORNE NITROGEN
The latest scientific evidence estimates that roughly
30 percent of the nitrogen that enters the Chesapeake Bay
comes from the air. Automobiles and other motor vehicles
account for 36 percent of these airborne deposits, while
electric utilities account for 40 percent. Everyone who drives
a car or uses electricity that is generated by fossil fuels is
partly responsible for this part of the nitrogen pollution
problem.
Both cars and fossil fuel-burning power plants emit
nitrogen oxides. Some of the nitrogen oxides are transformed
into nitric acid in the atmosphere. This acid then falls to the
earth in the form of acid precipitation, which has been proven
to reduce crop and forest yields, kill fish and other aquatic
life, and accelerate the decay of limestone statues, paint and
metal finishes. If strong enough, acid precipitation can burn
human skin, damage lungs, and irritate eyes and breathing
functions.
Today's passsenger cars emit about 70 percent less
nitrogen oxides over their lifetimes than their uncontrolled
counterparts of the 1960's. The number of cars and miles
driven, however, has nearly doubled over the past 20 years.
The net result is only a modest reduction in each automotive
pollutant, except for lead which has dropped by more than
95 percent.
Even your lowly lawn mower and other small gas
powered engines (chain saws, leaf blowers, weed whackers)
emit nitrogen oxides and other smog-producing gases.
According to the EPA, about 5 percent of air pollution comes
from the nation's 89 million lawn mowers, garden tractors,
and other gas-powered garden equipment. (For a leaf
blower, one hour is the equivalent of 34 hours of driving.)
Only recently has EPA begun to regulate this type of equip-
ment, setting exhaust emission standards for all new small
spark-emission engines.
As for power plants that burn fossil fuels (mostly
coal), requirements under the federal Clean Air Act have led
to a 25 percent reduction in acid rain levels in Pennsylvania
between 1990 and 1995. The reductions resulted from
targeted reductions in the emissions of sulfur dioxide,
another major contributor to acid rain, and nitrogen oxides.
PET WASTE
Dumping pet waste in the street or storm sewer or
leaving it to decay near the street will add to water pollution
if the next rain or melting snowfall washes it into storm
sewers, which drain directly into our streams, lakes and
bays. When pet waste is washed into lakes or streams, the
waste decays, using up oxygen and sometimes releasing
ammonia. Low oxygen levels and ammonia combined with
warm temperatures can kill fish. Pet waste also contains
nutrients that encourage weed and algae growth. Perhaps
most importantly, pet waste carries disease which make
water unsafe for swimming or drinking.
The Trouble with Nitrogen
Whatever its source around the home, nitrogen in the water soluble form (nitrate nitrogen) can be washed into a
nearby stream, river or lake through stormwater runoff. In Pennsylvania's freshwater lakes and streams, nitrogen does
not usually cause water quality problems. But, where it flows into the shallow, saltier Chesapeake Bay via the
Susquehanna and Potomac Rivers, nitrogen feeds algae like a fertilizer feeds a corn crop. When high amounts of
nutrients are present, algae rapidly multiplies into huge masses called blooms. These floating algae blooms fill the
water, blocking sunlight needed by bay grasses which provide food and habitat for many species. As the algae die,
they sink and bacteria decomposes the algae in a process that removes oxygen from the water. Without enough
oxygen, some species must leave the area. Those that can't leave die.
It is Pennsylvania's underground supplies of water most directly impacted by nitrate pollution. Because of its complete
solubility, nitrate nitrogen can easily drain downward through some soils and contaminate ground water supplies, an
issue of particular concern in Pennsylvania since about 50 percent of the state's population relies on ground water for
public and domestic supplies. The contamination is especially acute in areas with limestone or carbonate bedrock
(southcentral and southeastern Pennsylvania).
The federal Environmental Protection Agency has set a limit of 10 milligrams of nitrate per liter of groundwater as a
safe threshold for drinking water. Higher levels of nitrate can create health problems for humans and animals. The
most common problem is methemoglobinemia, or blue-baby syndrome, in which too much nitrogen in the blood can
lead to suffocation if not detected in time. The health of young livestock animals can also be affected by high nitrate
nitrogen levels in drinking water.
Lawn Fertilizers
This worksheet examines activities around your home which
generate nitrogen. It focuses on those activities or facilities over
which you have at least some control -- areas in which choices
can be made to reduce nitrogen outputs. It does not reflect how
much nitrogen becomes pollution since some nitrogen is con-
sumed by plants for growth or bound in the soil.
Step 1: On the back of the fertilizer bag, note the parts of
nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium per bag. Nitrogen is the
first number in the 3-digit formula. A 12-4-8 fertilizer, for in-
stance, would contain 12 percent nitrogen on a weight basis.
Step 2: Determine the size of your lawn in square feet. (1 acre =
43,560 square feet). Commercial fertilizers give recommendations
for pounds of fertilizer per 1000 square feet. Divide the size of
your lawn (in square feet) by 1000 square feet.
Step 3: Determine how many pounds of fertilizer is recom-
mended per 1000 square feet. (A typical recommendation would
be 1.5 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft.) Multiply this number by the factor
arrived at in step 2.
Step 4: Take Step 1's nitrogen figure (the first number in the N-P-
K formula) and multiply by the total pounds of fertilizer arrived
at in step 3. This is the total pounds of nitrogen you're applying
in one application.
Step 5: Multiply the total pounds of nitrogen arrived at in step 4
by the number of times a year you fertilize you lawn with this
formula.
Total pounds of nitrogen: _______
The average amount of nitrogen produced by a person in septic
system effluent over one year is estimated to be 9.9 pounds.
STEP 1: If you have an on-lot septic system, total the number of
people living in your household,
STEP 2: Multiply the number of people in your household by 9.9
pounds for a total annual amount.
Total pounds of nitrogen: __________
STEP 1: Check which cleaners you routinely use that contain
ammonia. We will use six ounces as an average per use amount
for the typical household.
STEP 2: Multiply six ounces by the number of times you use each
of these cleaners in one year.
STEP 3: Divide the total by 16 to calculate the number of pounds
of each cleaner used in one year.
STEP45: Sum the total pounds of ammonia-containing cleaners
routinely used over one year.
Total pounds of nitrogen-containing cleaners: ______
Household Cleaners
On-Lot Septic Systems
STEP 1: Estimate the number of miles driven per week for each of
your family's cars and total the miles driven per week.
STEP 2: Multiply this mileage by .004 (an approximate average of
the pounds of nitrogen oxides emitted by 1996 model cars over one
mile).
STEP 3: Multiply this number (lbs. N emitted/one week) by 52
weeks/year for an annual amount.
Total pounds of nitrogen oxides: _______
STEP 1: For each type of equipment noted above, determine how
many weeks a year you typically use the equipment.
STEP 2: For each season, determine how many hours a week each
tool is typically used.
STEP 3: For each equipment piece, multiply number of hours/
week by the total weeks used in one year.
STEP 4: Sum the totals for each small gas-powered engine.
Total pounds of nitrogen oxides: ______
Electric generation plants powered by coal (fossil fuel) emit .0024
pounds of nitrogen oxides per kilowatt hour of electricity pro-
duced.
STEP 1: Over the course of a year, record the kilowatt hours of
electricity used by your household, which is noted on your
monthly electric bill.
STEP 2: Total the year's kilowatt hours and multiply by .0025 for
an annual amount of nitrogen oxide emissions contributable to
your household.
Total pounds of nitrogen oxides: _____
ADD ALL OF THE ABOVE FIGURES: _____
This number is an estimate of how many pounds of
nitrogen-containing compounds your household generates
on a yearly basis.
Read on and you can learn how to reduce that
number by some simple changes in your lifestyle. And here's
an extra challenge. After reading the "What's a Homeowner to
Do?" section, decide how your family can help reduce the
nitrogen pollution problem. For one year, try out some new
conservation practices and then re-work the calculations to
see what kind of difference you can make.
Nitrogen Oxide Emission Rates:
lawn mowers - .0053 lb/hour
rear engine riding mowers - .0163 lb./hour
lawn/garden tractor - .026 lb./hour
leaf blower/vacuum - .0022 lb./hour
snow blower - .0066 lb./hour
Lawn Tools
Automobiles
Electricity
“Know Your Nitrogen” Worksheet
WHAT’S A HOMEOWNER TO DO?...
Sewage Management
On-lot sewage system users: Pump your septic tank
regularly or the build-up of solids will inhibit the ability of a
septic system to do its job right. A rule-of-thumb is to pump
your tank every three years for a four-person hosehold and a
2500 gallon tank. Also, support efforts by your municipality to
adopt a sewage treatment program, which may require periodic
septic tank pumping. Such programs are preventive mainte-
nance -- if on-lot septic systems are left unmanaged, malfunc-
tioning systems may force the extension of costly sewer lines for
greater distances.
Municipal sewage plant users: Support efforts to upgrade
sewage systems that remove nitrogen at the treatment plant. In
Maryland, nearly all of the state's 61 major sewage treatment
plants will remove nitrogen from treated waste by the year
2000.
Pet Waste
Management
When walking a dog, remem-
ber to carry a plastic bag and
take the waste back home for
proper disposal. At home,
there are a few options for
disposal:
•Flush wastes down the toilet
(on-lot systems can remove
some of the nitrogen; munici-
pal sewage treatment plants
will not remove the nitrogen
but will remove dangerous
pathogens). Be careful not to
flush stones, sticks or cat litter
(the cat feces may be scooped
from the litter and flushed).
•Bury the waste in your yard.
Dig a hole approximately five
inches deep, away from
vegetable gardens, wells or
any body of water. Microor-
ganisms in the top layer of soil
will break down the waste
and release nutrients to
fertilize nearby plants. Don't
add pet waste to your com-
post pile. The compost does
not get hot enough to kill the
disease causing organisms in
pet waste.
•Put waste in the trash. This
may be easy, but it is not the
best solution, since waste
taken to a landfill can still
cause pollution in older,
unlined pits. Incinerated
waste can also emit air
pollutants.
•Install an underground pet
waste digester. It works like a
small septic tank and can be
purchased at pet stores. Check
local laws that may restrict
their use, design or location.
Household Cleaners
Some time-honored agents like borax, baking soda and
lemon juice can match the cleaning power of most commercial
cleaning products.
Airborne Nitrogen
•Conserve electricity. Most electric power comes from coal-
burning power plants. If we use less energy, the power plants
will burn less coal. And that, in turn, will help reduce nitrogen
oxides in the atmosphere.
•Use public transportation or car pool to get to work. The
reduced mileage will save parking costs for some people and
wear and tear on your vehicle.
• Keep your car tuned-up. Regular tune-ups reduce the amount
of hydrocarbons, nitrous oxides and other pollutants coming
from the exhaust pipe.
• Drive less and walk more. For short distances, riding a bike or
walking is a smart option that will help keep you fit.
Lawn Care
Did you know...
•A lawn fertilization
program should begin in early
October, not early May?
•By leaving grass
clippings on the lawn, nitro-
gen applications can be
reduced by 30 - 40 percent?
•Healthy trees and
shrubs do not require annual
fertilizer applications?
•Chemical fertilizers
can add salt to the soil and
can harm soil structure. High
salt concentrations can kill
soil-building microorganisms
and promote soil compaction.
Grass clippings and compost
are better answers, returning
needed bacteria and enzymes
to the soil along with nutri-
ents.
Simple and practical
tips like these are easily
accessible. Call you Coopera-
tive Extension Service or
check your local library for
guidance.
The key is to know
your soil and know your
fertilizer if, in fact, you need
additional nutrients. Take the
time to learn some simple
landscaping techniques that
can produce a healthy, green
lawn and garden without
polluting ground water or
surface water.
For more household tips, call Chesapeake Regional Information Service at 1-800-662-CRIS or
the Internet at CRIS@igc.apc.org or DEP's Web Site www.dep.state.pa.us (choose information
by subject/water management).
Instead of oven cleaner, try:
Instead of ammonia based cleaners,
try:
Instead of abrasive cleaners or
powders, try:
2 Tbs. castile soap, 2 tbs. borax and
2 C. water, set in oven for 20
minutes. OR scrub with baking soda
and salt
undiluted white vinegar in a spray
bottle; herbs can be added to ease
the vinegar smell
baking soda or borax; rub area with
1/2 lemon dipped in borax