JOB IV:   Cultural Practices for Turf

LESSON 1:   Fertilization

OBJECTIVE:

   1.  To define fertilization and discuss the need for fertilization of turfgrass.
   2.  To define fertilizer analysis and ratio.

MOTIVATION:

   1.  Bring in several different fertilizer brands that provide examples of differences in fertilizer ratio and application (dry versus liquid.)
   2.  Discuss the essential elements for plant growth- N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, B, Mb, Cl, Ni. Explain the terms macronutrient and
     micronutrient.

STUDY GUIDES:

   1.  What is fertilization?
   2.  Why is fertilization important?
   3.  How do you know fertilizers are needed?
   4.  What factors affect fertilizer rates?
   5.  What is the fertilizer analysis?
   6.  What is the fertilizer ratio?
   7.  What is a complete fertilizer?
   8.  What are the two goals of fertilization?
   9.  What are the three methods of application?
  10. How are granular fertilizers spread?
  11. What are the two broad categories of fertilizers?
  12. When is the typical time to apply fertilizers for cool season grasses?

ANALYSIS:

   1.  What is fertilization?

     The practice in which essential nutrients are added to the turf in order to improve growth, health, persistence and quality.

   2.  Why is fertilization important?

     - to correct soil deficiencies
     - to enhance growth for a specific purpose (weed control, sports repair etc.)
     - to offset stress from traffic and use
     - to establish grass under less than optimum conditions
     - to offset demands of intensively managed turfgrass situations- golf

   3.  How do you know fertilizers are needed?

     - soil tests and tissue analysis
     - lack of growth, often determined by clipping removal
     - color changes

   4.  What factors affect fertilizer rates?

     Species, use of the turf, soil type, environmental conditions, maturity of turf, clipping management, length of growing season and cultural
     practices.

   5.  What is the fertilizer analysis?

     This is the total amount of elemental nitrogen, phosphorus (P2O5), and potash (K2O) present in the chemical fertilizer in terms of percent by
     weight. Fertilizer analysis is represented by three numbers; the amount of nitrogen is always stated first, next is phosphorus, and last is
     potassium. For example, 10-10-10 is a balanced fertilizer that contains 10 % N, P2O5, and K2O.

   6.  What is the fertilizer ratio?

     The ratio is the relationship between the respective nutrients. The above analysis has a ratio of 1:1:1.

   7.  What is a complete fertilizer?

     This is a fertilizer that includes all of the macronutrients- N, P, and K.

   8.  What are the two goals of fertilization?

     -maintaining grass: applications at the lower rates in order to maintain health and visual quality which result in reduced mowing and irrigation
     needs
     -growing grass: higher applications designed to push growth for sod production, turf repair, and establishment; increases mowing and
     irrigation needs

   9.  What are the three methods of application?

     Dry application with a granular fertilizer, liquid application, and fertigation, which applies fertilizer through the irrigation system.

  10.  How are granular fertilizers spread?

     With rotary spreaders or drop-type spreaders.

  11.  What are the two broad categories of fertilizers?

     Quick release fertilizers designed for a quick greening-up and growth of turf and slow release fertilizers that supply nutrients over time.

  12.  When is the typical time to apply fertilizers for cool season grasses?

     Early spring and early fall if two applications are applied, and late summer if one application is applied.