This fall, turf managers should avoid a potentially problematic occurrence — inefficient fall fertilization.
Low-nitrogen fertility in the fall has emerged due to heavy emphasis on potassium and the fear of creating turf that is too succulent, says Dr. Raymond Snyder, director of agronomy for Harrell’s. “This has resulted in too little nitrogen applied in the fall period,” he says, adding the result is “very poor turf conditions emerging in the spring resulting in the need for growing in of large turf areas and/or sod.”
To better prepare turf for the next season, Snyder advises superintendents to develop more effective fall fertility programs and to utilize a fertilizer product that contains a component of soluble and controlled-release potassium. “Include more rapidly releasing controlled-release nitrogen with a longer lasting controlled-release nitrogen source,” he says.
Superintendents rarely consider photosynthesis, says Aris Gharapetian, director of marketing for Target Specialty Products. “Our plants need sunlight, water and CO2 to make valuable energy,” he says. “This energy will be used to power operations like recovery from summer’s stress, root system regeneration and preparation for winter. With day length, soil moisture and solar energy potential all reduced during the fall, it’s important for turf managers to adjust nutritional plans.”
CLICK HERE to read the rest of this article.
Low-nitrogen fertility in the fall has emerged due to heavy emphasis on potassium and the fear of creating turf that is too succulent, says Dr. Raymond Snyder, director of agronomy for Harrell’s. “This has resulted in too little nitrogen applied in the fall period,” he says, adding the result is “very poor turf conditions emerging in the spring resulting in the need for growing in of large turf areas and/or sod.”
To better prepare turf for the next season, Snyder advises superintendents to develop more effective fall fertility programs and to utilize a fertilizer product that contains a component of soluble and controlled-release potassium. “Include more rapidly releasing controlled-release nitrogen with a longer lasting controlled-release nitrogen source,” he says.
Superintendents rarely consider photosynthesis, says Aris Gharapetian, director of marketing for Target Specialty Products. “Our plants need sunlight, water and CO2 to make valuable energy,” he says. “This energy will be used to power operations like recovery from summer’s stress, root system regeneration and preparation for winter. With day length, soil moisture and solar energy potential all reduced during the fall, it’s important for turf managers to adjust nutritional plans.”
CLICK HERE to read the rest of this article.
