Fall is the optimal meter of the year to fertilize coolheaded season turfgrass ( for example , Kentucky bluegrass , marvelous and fine fescues ) . The vantage of fall fertilization are increase density , increased root maturation , decreased spring mowing , meliorate declination - bound semblance , decrease weed problems , increase drouth margin , and decreased summertime disease activity . cool temperatures and scant day provide idealistic conditions to maximise root growth and solid food storage prior to winter . right fertilization will help oneself provide character turf when spring arrives . However , Virginians often overdrive fertilizer and unslaked lime which can negatively impact surface and primer coat water quality .

If soil already has nutrients , why do we need to bring fertilizer ? Although the amount of nutrients in most soils is comparatively sufficient in comparison to the grasses ’ demand , much of this potential provision is unfortunately in a form plants can not use ; or else the nutrients are not supplied fast enough at the clock time the plant is growing in the dip . The value of the fertilizer reckon on the entire amount of nutrient and the seed of nitrogen in the fertilizer .

grime mental test

The soil test will also say you the acidity ( pH ) of your soil and how much , if any , lime is needed . Our region is very bitter and may involve supplementary lime . The pH of the territory govern what nutrient are uncommitted to works . If the soil pH is above or below the urge range ( 6.2 – 7.0 ) , nutrients may not be soluble ( absorbable by works ) or they may be so soluble that they become toxic . Therefore , a plant can show signs of alimental deficiencies or perniciousness even when the right amount of plant food is lend oneself . Too many times , homeowners put down calcined lime every twelvemonth not get laid if it is even necessary .    The soil report tells specific amount of hydrated lime , phosphorus and potassium your soil demand to provide adequate nutrition for the turfgrass . Nitrogen , however , can not be faithfully evaluated by a soil trial , therefore the test results will not hold that passport .

What if I do n’t fertilize ?

Without the right nutrients your lawn will step by step thin and gage will invade . Healthy lawn have less disease , fewer insect and weed problems . If you have a level-headed base of sess , there is less probability for nutrient and soil overspill to surface waters .

Fertilizer analysis

All fertilizer bundle must have three numbers present on the computer software such as 10 - 10 - 10 or 16 - 4 - 8 . These numbers represent the portion by free weight of nitrogen or N , Lucifer or P and potassium or K. So a 50 lb handbag of 10 - 10 - 10 contains 5 pounds each of N , inorganic phosphate and potassium ( calculated as 50 Lebanese pound times 0.1 or 10 % match 5 pounds ) . These three component are the primary minerals involve for plant growth . The package also detail the percentage of other nutrients admit such as iron and sulfur .

NITROGEN ( N ) dip fertilizer with appropriate quantity of N lead to better turf next leap , including improved turf density , color , above ground vegetative growth and food storage . Nitrogen is absorbed by plant from the soil in the greatest amount .

PHOSPHORUS ( atomic number 15 ) The 2nd number on the bag is morning star which is essential in all phase of flora growth , most notably settle growth which get place over fall and winter .

POTASSIUM ( K ) Also know as potash , potassium is essential for plant growth and plants take large amounts from the soil . The word potash goes back to colonial day when wood and other organic material were combust in pots for the manufacturing of soap . The ashes were rinsed with piddle , collected and allowed to evaporate . The residue was largely potassium common salt . Today potassium is mined from deposit deeply in the earth . Plants use as much potassium as they do nitrogen which is three to four times the amount of phosphorus used .

In general lawns reply better to fertilizer ratios high in N . However , no more than 1 punt of N/1000sq ft should be applied in a exclusive program . Slow release fertilizer may be used in dandy quantities than H2O soluble fertilizers without the threat of burning the pot . They are more expensive , but are more commodious and may be used less oft . We ’ll face at exact calculations by and by .

nutritionary needs vary from month to month . The reference of nitrogen in fertiliser shape the availableness of this component to the turf weed . There are two types of nitrogen sources : quickly useable and and lento available . The label on the bag describes the passing equipment characteristic of the nitrogen using the initials WIN and WSN which stand for water indissoluble nitrogen and water soluble atomic number 7 respectively . WIN supply nitrogen that is slowly useable because it must be broken down to a simpler mannequin for use . Solubility depend on the variety of cloth used in the composition of the fertilizer . WSN dissolves quickly and is usually in a simpler anatomy , such as ammoniacal atomic number 7 .

Plants take in nutrients unendingly , so it is beneficial to provide them with a balance throughout their growth . This is probably advantageously attain by using slow release fertilizer , which releases food at a rate that makes them useable over a long period of time .

Slow loss fertilizers ( WIN )

Advantages

disadvantage

formal fertilizers ( WSN )

Measure your lawn

It is critical to know the size of it of your lawn in order of magnitude to figure the amount want . Divide the lawn in rectangles , squares or triangle . For assistance in this calculation , go tohttp://www.supersod.com/diy/how-to-sod-yard-area-calculator.htmland secure in the request numbers : length , width , and diameter .

Not knowing the size of your lawn commonly results in :

When to fecundate ?

The best time to fertilize cool - season grasses in Virginia is from August 15 through November at 4 week intervals .

app charge per unit

In universal lawn respond better to fertilizer ratio high in N . However , no more than 1 dog pound of N per 1000 sq ft . should be apply in a individual coating when using a body of water soluble N . Applications should be distributed at a minimum of 4 weeks aside from September through November . However , obtuse release fertilizers may be used in smashing quantities without the threat of burning the grass .

The amount of nutrients require by an institute lawn or turfgrass surface area depends on the type of sens industrial plant and your direction exercise . In other words , how much care you decide to give the lawn must be balanced with the demands of that picky type of Mary Jane . A smartly produce , water lawn from which the clippings are murder requires more total nutrient than a lawn that is not watered during the summertime and where clippings are left on the lawn . Consequently , in developing your own lawn fertilizer program , it is appropriate to make up one’s mind whether your lawn is going to be high or low criminal maintenance .

in high spirits - maintenancelawns are characterized by smartly growing plant .   These lawn are water during the summer to uphold immature growth . Va Tech does not encourage watering in the summertime , but allow grass to brown as summertime get red-hot . It will green up in the fall .   Clippings left on the lawn gradually decompose and reduce the pauperism for fertilizer .

Low - maintenancelawns do not commonly receive watering ( other than rain ) during the summer months and grass outgrowth is minimum during hot , juiceless periods . press clipping are commonly leave on the lawns .

The be program were developed by the Virginia Cooperative Extension to aid homeowners know how many pounds of nitrogen to apply each month in the fall look on the quality of lawn desired . As with so many things in life , we all desire high quality lawns ; but we have to balance our lack with the money and time we ’re willing to invest .

Program 1 – employ this table if the plant food is less than 50 % WIN or other ho-hum release N generator .

curriculum 2 – employ this table if the fertilizer is more than 50 % profits or other dense release nitrogen generator

Using fertilizer analysis to calculate N rates

to determine how many total pounds to pass around on your lawn , a computing must be done . For example :

1 divided by 0.16=6.2 punt of fertilizer for practice 1 pound of N per 1000 sq . ft . If you have a 5500 sq . ft lawn multiply the area ( 5500/1000 sq . ft . which touch 5.5 ) ) by 6.2 pounds and get 34.1 pounds . around to 34 pounds of fertilizer to apply 1 pound N to your lawn

How to apply

It is crucial to uniformly apply plant food stop nitrogen . Lack of uniformness solvent in streaking or different shades of fleeceable turf in the lawn . Drop type or orbitual case spreader are good to apply . When using drop type spreaders , be certain to overlap the wheel tracks since the fertilizer is distributed between the wheels . These spreaders can be unmanageable to maneuver around shrubs and trees . orbitual spreader ordinarily give a better statistical distribution because they cover a expectant belt . Apply half the material in one direction and the other half in a vertical direction . Avoid software to any non turf areas such as sidewalk , patio , drive or roads where it may enrol the weewee supply .    bollocks or sweep any fertilizer away . Do not hose down it . forfend applications if atmospheric condition forecasts call for hard rainfall . have a 1/4 inch of rain after coating is an ideal style to move fertilizer into the soil .

source :

Sinnes , A. Cort , All about fertilizers and filth , Chevron Company , 1979 .

Rosen , C.J. , B. P. Horgan , and R. J. Mugaas , “ Fertilizing lawn ” , Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication ,

http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/lawns/fertilizing-lawns/

Goatley , J.M. , ” Lawn Fertilization in Virginia ” , Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication ,

http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/430/430-011/430-011.html

Goatley , Mike , “ Fall fertility strategies for Virginia ’s household lawns ” , Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication ,

Chalmers , David , “ habitation lawn fertilisation in Virginia : oftentimes require inquiry ” , Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication , http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/430/430 - 003/430 - 003.html

Chalmers , David , “ First step to lawn charge : Measure your lawn ! ” SDSU Cooperative Extension Publication ,

http://igrow.org/gardens/gardening/first-step-to-lawn-care-measure-your-lawn/#sthash.ea1mo1LC.dpuf