Use Fertilizers

       January 1, 0000    1206

 

Plants utilize the nutrients in the soil through their roots and the balance in the soil diminishes. So we use fertilizers to revive the soil. Dearth of Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorus causes sluggish growth and lawn thinning. Excess results in increased leaves and roots and vulnerability to natural stresses. Hence an optimum quantum is desirable. A 20-5-10 number on a fertilizer bag indicates 20% Nitrogen, 5% Phosphorous and 10% Potassium by weight. If fertilizers are added at the right time and in proper quantity, the lawn is less susceptible to insects, diseases and weeds thereby diminishing the requirement of pesticides.

Method of Use

Test soil to gauge the amount required. Apply fertilizers during middle May, start of September and end of October. Don’t use them at the beginning of spring or in summer. They are applied to a dry lawn followed by a lot of watering or when rainfall is expected. Watering is very essential as it avoids burning of the lawn. When fertilizers are present near the roots in high concentration they absorb water from the plant. This is called “Burning”. It takes place when fertilization is done in hot climate or absence of watering. Don’t apply them when there is a likelihood of strong winds. Use of a “drop” spreader is recommended. Wear hand gloves and face masks. Don’t smoke, eat or drink while spraying them. Wash hands and equipment later. Take care that fertilizers don’t enter drainages and frozen areas.

Types

Starter fertilizers must penetrate the soil before planting. Slow fertilizers effect in 2-6 months and are the most popular. Their advantages are long-lasting nature, less possibility of burning and ease of use but costly. Fast fertilizers have low costs but burn grass and frequent use and more watering is required. Chemical fertilizers kill microbes and repel earthworms and should be avoided. A 1000 square feet lawn requires max. 1 pound of Nitrogen 2-3 times a year. Organic fertilizers have fewer nutrients content than manufactured ones and hence more quantity has to be used. Some examples are Alfalfa pellets, Composted animal manure, Blood meal, Bone meal, Rock phosphate, Greensand, Dolomite Lime, Fish emulsion and seaweeds.
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