Garden Column for the Salisbury Post
Darrell Blackwelder
February 21, 2002
Lawns have really taken a beating this past year with the
drought extending from summer into late fall. Many lawns need
considerable renovation this spring. Hopefully, we will continue
to receive necessary rain to sustain adequate growth this spring.
Cool season lawns should be fertilized in February and March.
Fescue and fescue blue-grass blends blends are the pre-
dominant turf grown in Rowan County. Lawns which are properly
fertilized and vigorously maintained have a better chance of
withstanding summer droughts, diseases and other pest problems
that plague most homeowners.
Test the soil every two to three years to monitor soil pH and
phosphorus levels. Cool season turf grows best with a
slightly acid soil pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Soils in the Piedmont area
generally have low pH and phosphorus levels especially on eroded
soils or soils graded during new construction.
Turf specialists recommend one pound of actual nitrogen to
be applied before April. Its best to split the nitrogen application during the spring.
Many homeowners still apply agricultural grade fertilizers
such as 10-10-10, 17-17-17 or 30-0-0. These fertilizers are quick
release fertilizers promoting rapid growth.
Split applications of grade fertilizer now (1/2 pound
nitrogen per 1000 square feet) and again before April are
recommend to provide one pound of total nitrogen. For example, 5
pounds of 10-10-10 per 1000 square feet delivers 1/2 pound of
actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet of turf, or 215 pounds of
10-10-10 to fertilize per acre of turf.
Excessive spring rains and rapid uptake quickly deplete
nitrogen and potassium fertilizers in the soil. Late nitrogen
applications in late April and May jeopardize healthy turf by
predisposing the turf to brown patch and other fungal diseases.
Brown patch is the fungal disease that makes huge brown circles
in the lawn during late June and July.
Slow release, turf type fertilizers, with a 4-1-2 ratio such
as(fertilizers such as 27-3-6 or 16-4-8) often contain a coated
mix of nitrogen and other elements that slowly release nutrients.
Some slow release fertilizers last the entire growing season,
therefore it is best to apply these early. Temperature, moisture
or bacteria trigger the release of the coated nutrients.
Slow release type fertilizers are gaining popularity because
the slow rate of feeding that produces a deep, green turf without
excessive growth. Rapid growth generated by grade fertilizers
promotes extra mowing in the spring. Slow release fertilizer
produces short, even turf growth in the spring, eliminating
mowing 2 to 3 times a week
Another reason to consider slow release turf type
fertilizers is the ease of application. Most of the turf type
fertilizers have bags which are pre measured to cover 5000 to
10,000 square foot turf areas. Micro nutrients or trace elements
are standard features of turf type fertilizers. Trace elements
are essential for growth and development of a lawn.
Over fertilization in the spring is a common mistake made by
homeowners. Applications of one pound of nitrogen per one
thousand square feet in February doesn't seem like quite enough,
but it is an ample supply for good turf growth. Be very careful
in measuring lawns and determining fertilizer rates.
Fertilization alone does not ensure a beautiful lawn. Weed
control, coupled with proper mowing and pest control contribute
much to the beauty of a lawn.
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The Cooperative Extension Service is holding a special workshop
on Fall Turf grass Establishment and Maintenance for Cool
Season Turf on Saturday Morning, March 2, 10:00 a.m. at the
Agriculture Center on Old Concord Road in Salisbury. The
workshop features seeding rates,fertilization, insect and weed
control as well as other cultural practices. The workshop is free
and open to the public. Please contact the Extension Office at
704-6330571 to register or for more information.
Darrell Blackwelder is an agricultural agent in charge of
horticulture with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Service in Rowan County. For archived garden columns, visit the
Master Gardener Web site at web site at
http:www.rowanmastergardener.com