Pesticide BMPs for Turfgrass (lawns and golf courses)

The MDA adopted best management practices (BMPs) for turfgrass pesticides. The MDA and the University of Minnesota developed a set of core voluntary BMPs related to turfgrass pesticides. The purpose of these BMPs is to protect water resources, humans, and non-target organisms including pollinators. The BMPs were finalized based on comments received during a public comment period.


Fertilizer BMPs for Turfgrass (lawns and golf courses)

The MDA has adopted BMPs for nitrogen and phosphorus turfgrass fertilizer. These BMPs were developed in partnership between the MDA and the Turfgrass Science Program at the University of Minnesota. The Minnesota phosphorus lawn fertilizer law restricts the use of fertilizer containing phosphorus on turfgrass.

The purpose of the BMPs is to protect water quality while at the same time being economical and practical to implement. They refer to practices relating to the timing, rate, placement and source of fertilizer application and other practices that increase fertilizer use efficiency and decrease potential loss to the environment.

These adopted BMPs are based on comments received from turfgrass managers, turfgrass fertilizer manufacturers, university specialists, and educators.