Which practice is most specifically recommended to prevent nutrients from turf systems from reaching surface waters?

• A. Cleanup turf grass clippings from gutters and storm drains
• B. Keep fertilizers from reaching impervious surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks
• C. Maintain a dense and vigorous turf grass stand
• D. Apply lime to adjust soil pH

Answer: (B)

Preventing nutrient runoff starts with keeping fertilizers where they can be used by the turf and not washing into water bodies. When fertilizer is applied and ends up on paved surfaces like driveways or sidewalks, rain or irrigation easily carries it into storm drains and eventually into surface waters. The most specific and effective practice is to keep fertilizers away from impervious surfaces so nutrients stay in the soil–root zone where the grass can take them up or immobilize them. This means applying only to the turf, at the right rate, at the right time, and using proper methods (calibrated spreaders, avoidance of application before rain, and considering slow-release forms).

Other options are helpful but less directly preventive. Cleaning clippings from gutters removes nutrients already on surfaces, and a dense turf can help take up nutrients, but neither stops the initial entry of fertilizer into runoff as effectively as preventing contact with impervious surfaces. Lime adjusts soil pH, which affects nutrient availability but doesn’t directly curb nutrient runoff.