TURF TIP
09/13/2007

Fertilization: Do it right and protect the environment

Though much research over the years has shown that when fertilizer is applied properly to turf, it does not leach or runoff. The key to this is proper application as careless applications can cause problems. Following is a quick list of precautions when applying fertilizer (or pesticides) to your lawn.

• ·Apply the right rate and product: Help with fertilizer calculations can be found at http://www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/fertcalc/Fertilization%20calc.html and http://www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/tips/2007/fert220.htm
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  ·Make uniform applications to the lawn following the spreader and fertilizer instructions for rate and proper overlap. More information on rotary spreaders is http://www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/pubs/ay-22.pdf
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  ·Avoid applications to hardscapes and use a blower or broom to sweep off particles.
• Avoid fertilizing into water bodies and maintain an untreated buffer strip around all water bodies.
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  ·Though phosphorus is important in starter fertilizers for new establishments, established lawns can get by with very little phosphorus. Following are our latest phosphorus recommendations and more information can be found at http://www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/tips/2005/phosp526.htm

Zac Reicher, Professor/Turfgrass Extension Specialist
Cale Bigelow, Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Science

Send corrections, suggestions, and comments to biehlj@purdue.edu