Fertiliser Application
Once we have established our mowing, irrigation, and soil health practices, we can focus on fertiliser application.
The goal of any fertiliser program is to ensure that the turf receives the essential nutrients needed to recover from stress and wear. The required amount varies significantly based on the turf’s intended use.
A school with 1300 students on 5000 sqm will need a much higher nitrogen concentration, which promotes rapid growth, compared to a one-hectare oval at a school with 500 kids. Conversely, the school with 500 students may be located in a region that often experiences frost, meaning the emphasis should be on protection from frost rather than promoting rapid growth.
In the fertiliser program, we also consider liquid versus granular application, the advantages of each, and the appropriate timing for both.
For instance, most warm-season turf grasses do not absorb granular applications during winter, and many liquid fertilisers may lack a true macro- and micronutrient balance. This is not to say that we neglect the promotion of root growth at any point, nor do we overlook lateral turf growth. With these various needs in mind, the complexity of developing a fertiliser program becomes evident.
Additionally, we tread a fine line between over-fertilisation and under-fertilisation. If we over-fertilise, we can increase thatch production, stunt root growth, and so on. Conversely, if we under-fertilise, the turf may not have access to the nutrients it needs to thrive. The type of soil in which we are growing the turf will also affect how much, how often, and what types of fertilisers we are applying. Here in Perth, we often deal with very sandy, nutrient-deficient soils. Sand-based soils are also quite poor at holding onto the nutrients we apply, meaning we may need to fertilise more frequently but with smaller doses. This contrasts with clay-based soils, where the opposite is true.
An effective turf care program, informed by soil analysis and the specific needs of the turf, will account for all of this.
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If you'd like to talk to us about a program for keeping your turf looking great all year round, get in touch today.