Exceptions to the fertilizer application restriction in WLEB?

• A. Injected into the ground
• B. Fertilizer can only be applied to growing crops
• C. Incorporation within 12 hours
• D. Surface application is always prohibited

Answer: (A)

In West Lake Erie Basin rules, the goal is to minimize phosphorus entering waterways by limiting how fertilizer is placed on the soil surface during restricted times or conditions. Injecting fertilizer into the ground is the way to meet that goal while still applying nutrients, because placing it below the surface keeps most of the fertilizer out of direct contact with rainfall and runoff. This subsurface placement puts nutrients where plants can use them and reduces the chance they will be washed into waterways, which is why it’s considered an exception to surface-application restrictions. The other options don’t provide that subsurface placement benefit, and thus don’t fit as the exception.