Environment Winterthur wants to use only organic fertilizers

The city of Winterthur wants to do without synthetic chemical pesticides: It will gradually manage its green spaces and sports facilities with organic fertilizers and pesticides from 2025.

According to a statement issued by Winterthur City Council on Friday, organically treated lawns are comparable in quality to conventionally maintained lawns. However, the amount of care and work required is higher. For the first year of 2025, the City Green Department estimates the additional costs at 150,000 francs.

The negative effects of pesticides on biodiversity and water bodies are scientifically well documented, according to the city council, justifying the switch to organic fertilizers and pesticides approved by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (Fibl).

As a result, only organic products are to be used on urban green spaces from 2025. On play and sports turf and on lawns in swimming pools, however, the changeover will only take place gradually, according to the press release.

Among other things, it must be taken into account that the requirements for playing and training pitches in top-level football, for example, are very specific, writes the city council. The initial experiences of Stadtgrün are encouraging in this respect. The aim is therefore a gradual but ultimately complete changeover.

SDA