On September 10 and October 1, visitors to the Acton Boxborough Farmers Market had a chance to learn how phosphate in fertilizer runoff can harm local aquatic ecosystems and how gardeners can test their soil to see whether phosphate is necessary as part of their fertilization plan. This information was provided by the Water Committee and Materials Committee of Green Acton, at one of the Market’s Community tables.
Phosphate is an essential nutrient for plants and is therefore a component of some fertilizers. Unfortunately, too much phosphate can cause garden plants to wither and can favor certain invasive species. If phosphate runs off fertilized land into a stream or pond, it can cause algae and other aquatic plants to grow out of control and choke the waterway with excess plant matter.
For these reasons, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts regulates the use of phosphate-bearing fertilizers for landscaping. Phosphate fertilizer may only be legally used on Massachusetts lawns under two narrowly defined circumstances: if the lawn is newly installed, or if a soil test has documented that the lawn is deficient in phosphate. According to the Green Acton volunteers at the Market, almost no one who stopped by the table had heard about these regulations.
The volunteers taught visitors how to find out if their soil needs phosphate. Using a shovel or soil auger, they would collect twelve soil samples from different spots on their property, mix them together in a clean bucket, and spread the soil out to air dry. Then they would package up a cup of the mixed, dried soil in a plastic bag and ship it off to the University of Massachusetts Soil Testing Lab. The fee is $20. Approximately two weeks later, they would receive a straightforward report, classifying the soil as very low, low, optimum or above optimum, for phosphate and three other nutrients. More details about Massachusetts fertilizer regulation, how to recognize phosphate-free fertilizer at the store, and how to get your soil tested, are available at Green Acton’s website.
Green Acton is a local non-profit that works to “protect and enhance Acton’s natural environment and resources for present and future generations.” The Materials Committee works to reduce the use of hazardous substances and encourage alternative, more environmentally friendly products, production methods, and activities. The Water Committee works to protect Acton’s aquatic ecosystems, as well as ground, surface, and drinking water. Newcomers are welcome at all Green Acton meetings; see “Upcoming Events” at Green Acton.
Founded in 2008, the Acton Boxborough Farmers Market is a “Producer Only” market, which means that vendors may sell only the produce and/or value-added products that they themselves grow or make. The Market runs on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Elm Street Playground. The last regular weekly market for 2023 will be on Oct 15, and there will be a special Holiday Market on Sunday, November 19, in West Acton Villageworks. In addition to farmers and food vendors, the Market showcases one or two local artisans each week as well as one or two non-profit community organizations. According to an email from manager Debby Andell, the Market will be looking for new artisans, vendors and community groups next season; applications will open early next year.
Kim Kastens is a Director of Green Acton and chairs the Green Acton Water Committee. She volunteered at the Community Table at the Farmers Market on October 1.
