Commissioners considered approving the controversial ordinances in July but decided they needed more information to set fair standards for the chemical composition of fertilizer. The proposal is expected to come back for a vote Aug. 27.

Opponents of the rules are lobbying the county to scale back or kill the regulations. Proponents, which include environmentalist groups such as the Sierra Club as well as dealers such as Florikan, are upset that the county balked at a chance to approve the rules in July.

Sarasota County leaders have touted the rules as a victory for water quality and a blow against harmful algal blooms in the Gulf of Mexico.

The rules would take effect six months after approval. That will give the county time to provide training courses in the use of fertilizer.