Know the Ground Rules
for Intelligent Use of Fertilizers

"You like it? It's my new fertilizer delivery system for generous applications."

"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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