Fertiliser
Householders use 20 times more pesticides and fertilizers than farmers, posing a significant threat to plant and animal life.
Many residents use pesticides to reduce pests in their gardens, and fertiliser to assist plant and lawn growth. Residues are washed into stormwater drains which can end up polluting our waterways. This can be avoided.
Getting the most out of fertilisers and pesticides
What problems do overuse of pesticides and fertilisers cause?
In the household garden, these products are often used at much higher rates than in agriculture. It can have a major environmental impact:
- pesticides can be toxic to plants and animals, cause damage to ecosystems processes, and accumulate in sediments
- many pesticide residues can be found in bird and fish species; and
- human and livestock may also consume and absorb pesticides from contaminated drinking water or food.
Paints and detergents for washing cars can also cause environmental damage.
What Can I Do?
- Reduce pollution resulting from excess fertiliser, herbicide and pesticide application.
- Do not over-use products. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding amount and frequency of application.
- Look for organic alternatives.
- Plant WaterWise Australian plants link to as they are more resistant to pests and disease.
- Avoid the use of solvent based paints. When using water-based paints, clean brushes and equipment on a lawn area to trap contaminants before they reach waterways. Plant-based paints are the most environmentally friendly option.
- Visit a car wash that recycles detergent and water. If this is not an option wash your car on the lawn or on an area that drains to lawn. The nutrients (mostly phosphates and nitrates) in the detergent fertilise the lawn instead of degrading waterways. Note that many native plants do not tolerate detergents.
