Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium Mix for Lawn Establishment Fertilisation
In laying turf or sowing lawn seed, management of fertilization levels can have a major impact on establishment of a healthy, green and hardwearing lawn. Lawn establishment fertiliser should be a different type and formulation of fertiliser to normal 'surface' applied lawn foods. A product coated with resin urea will ensure nutrients are released over a longer time period and also provides an environmentally safe way of releasing nutrients. A mini granular particle size will promote even distribution within the soil, preventing growth 'hot spots'. The relative NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) levels within any type of lawn fertiliser will translate into different growing reactions from the turf and need to be applied differently according to the time of year.
With a Lawn Establishment Fertiliser the key is to promote strong rapid root growth, without stimulating excessive top growth. Consequently, a higher proportion of Phosphorus and Potassium than Nitrogen, with some Magnesium and Manganese is to be expected; typically 7:10:10 NPK content.
Spring Lawn Food
In a spring lawn food levels of Nitrogen need to be increased and an 11:5:5 NPK content is generally desirable. Nitrogen is the most important nutrient for grass plants to grow and be healthy. However, excessive nitrogen levels can be as harmful as very low nitrogen levels. Consequently a balanced fertiliser is needed for correct photosynthesis to take place, ideally with a high percentage of the nitrogen being slow release for controlled up take. As growth patterns are accelerated in spring, a lawn will naturally draw a high level of natural nitrogen out of the soil, consequently, watering-in lawn fertiliser is recommended if no rain falls in the first two or three days after application, so that nutrients enter the soil.
Autumn Lawn Food
Autumn lawn foods require a different NPK balance, as the purpose of autumn feeding is not to stimulate rapid top growth, but prepare a lawn for the harsher winter conditions. A 4:10:5 mix will provide the higher levels of Phosphorus and Potassium required for strengthening roots that have developed in spring and summer; the inclusion of Magnesium and Manganese will add to the roots ability to resist pathogens and fungal attack. The healthier a root system, the more resilient a lawn will be to turf diseases and decline due to harsh winter weather conditions, resulting in faster recovery, better appearance and improve wear resistance in the following spring.