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"You like it? It's my new fertilizer delivery system for generous applications."
Know the Ground Rules
for
Intelligent Use of Fertilizers
"Here is a
horror story that has happened more than once," said Paul Albright, "and
more than one contractor has gotten a black mark as a result. "Turf is turning brown and the
client is getting upset. Dormancy doesn't qualify in his mind as a reason for
grass to get brown, especially when he is paying so much to keep it green. A new
contractor is hired to fix the problem. 'Can do easy,' he says and reaches for a
hundred-pound bag of Green Blasto Fast Acting Fertilizer and Rocket Fuel, a
quick release, high-nitrogen fertilizer. A generous application is followed two
minutes later by a spectacular greenup. "So far, so good. There's a smile
on the client's face. Two days later the weather heats up and the lawn goes
belly-up, dead, along with the contractor's reputation."
Finding the Problem What happened? It could have been the
cumulative effects of different fertilizers activated simultaneously. Landscape
maintenance contractor #1 took the conservative approach to fertilization using
organic fertilizers that released nitrogen slowly, becoming activated by normal
weather cycles. The increased temperature caused release of the organic source's
nitrogen, adding to the already high nitrogen content of the soil, burning the
grass. How could contractor #2 have avoided
this problem, aside from turning down the job? The easiest and most economical
approach would have been to make an intelligent decision about fertilizing
based on known turf conditions. For $25 to $150 soil can be
scientifically analyzed. Soil pH can be easily and cheaply tested with litmus
paper to determine whether soil conditions are alkaline or acid. That
information alone can point to possible problems. For example, Tall Fescue could
go dormant if the soil is poor in carbonate and has become too acid. Knowledge of soil conditions can
prevent embarrassing situations such as the one faced by another contractor who
prepared a bare area for turf; tilling, fertilizing, seeding and watering. It
was only after the complete failure of the grass to germinate that he had the
soil tested and learned that as part of a weed abatement program the ground had
been treated with a long-term herbicide. His error was expensive. But more
importantly, it was avoidable.
The Intelligent Approach Fertilization is just one of many
factors that need consideration since effects of one are often increased or
offset by another. For example, irrigation water that is
too high in calcium makes soil alkaline and raises salt content. Osmosis of
nutrients into roots is hindered by these salts. Chemical fertilizers,
themselves, are salts that can affect osmosis the same way. Organic fertilizers
don't contain salts. Their nutrients are carried in proteins. Humic acid, a main
ingredient in organic fertilizers buffers alkaline soil, improving water uptake
and promoting osmosis.
Organic vs. Chemical Does this mean that organics are
preferable to chemical fertilizers? That depends. Certainly it is preferable to
use organics whenever possible simply because they work in concert with the
natural growth and dormancy patterns of vegetation. And even though organics
cost more per pound they turn out to be a better value, causing fewer
maintenance problems. What about chemicals? There is a time
for chemicals but the key to their successful use is moderation and control.
They should be used only when time is inadequate and maintenance has been below
standard. Chemicals should be used as a doctor uses surgery, when necessary,
very carefully, and only with a solid understanding of the effect on the
patient. Environmental impact is an issue as well. Is runoff likely to be
contaminated with leached chemicals? Forced growth using chemical
fertilizers can cause other maintenance problems such as fungus and disease.
On the flip side, some maintenance
contractors will tend to starve grass of needed nutrients to slow its growth and
cut down on mowing. Eventually, the turf will begin to die out.
Balance The consultants at Albright Seed
Company help you achieve the proper balance of organic and chemical
treatments based on scientific analysis of your problem soil. Avoid guess work
that can hurt growth of both your client's turf and your bottom line.
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