Fertilization and Irrigation Needs for Florida Lawns and Landscapes

Best management practices, or BMPs, are cost-efficient processes and activities that improve many aspects of daily life, from healthcare to food service. Agricultural BMPs aim to reduce water use and water quality impacts on farms and ranches while improving or maintaining soil. Additional BMPs focus on forestry practices and lawn care. In Florida, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) adopts by rule specific BMP manuals as a part of the state’s water quality policy.

In 2025, as an administrative change, the UF/IFAS Department of Environmental Horticulture was sunsetted. Faculty and staff were rehomed to other departments, primarily the Departments of Horticultural Sciences and Agronomy (turf), and the School of Forest, Fisheries and Geomatics Sciences (arboriculture).