WHAT IS FERTILIZER?
Fertilizer is a substance added to the soil to improve its fertility. Many elements contribute to a soil's fertility. There are three major elements which are needed by plants: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). These elements are needed in large quantities and are not readily available in most soils.
There are also thirteen minor elements which can be found in varying degrees in fertilizer: zinc, manganese, boron, iron, sulfur, copper, magnesium, molybdenum, and chlorine. These elements are less important than major elements; they are simply not needed in such an abundance.
The right fertilizer analysis in the soil is important for several reasons. First, a healthy plant fights insect and fungus damage much better than an unhealthy one. Second, proper fertilization promotes more consistent plant growth and bloom development. Third, it encourages better root development.
HOW MUCH FERTILIZER DO I NEED?
The amount of fertilizer needed depends on the current analysis in your soil. It is advisable to obtain a soil test kit from your local county extension office and test your soil at least every other year.
WHAT DO THE NUMBERS ON THE FERTILIZER BAG MEAN?
There are three numbers listed on each bag of fertilizer. These are literal percentages of N-P-K that are in that bag of fertilizer. For instance, if the numbers read 31-3-10, 31% of the bag is nitrogen, 3% is phosphorus, and 10% is potassium. The numbers will always be printed in the same order N-P-K. Very often, the numbers do not add up to 100%. Other minor elements and fillers can also be included in the bag.
WHAT DOES EACH MAJOR ELEMENT DO?
NITROGEN
- Promotes vigorous blade, leaf and stem growth.
- Encourages dark green color.
- Assists in chlorophyll production.
- Improves overall plant health, quality, and density.
- Aids in tolerance to heat, cold, and drought stress.
PHOSPHORUS
- Promotes early plant development
- Hastens plant maturity.
- Promotes bloom and root development..
POTASSIUM
- Improves tolerance to drought, disease and heat
- Increases winter hardiness.
- Aids in water uptake.
- Enhances overall health and vigor.
WHAT EFFECT DOES LIME HAVE ON FERTILIZER?
Just because fertilizer is in the soil doesn't mean that the plant is able to use it. When a soil's pH is too low (below 6.0) or too high (above 7.0), it can severely limit the plants ability to take in the fertilizers nutrients. Lime is the most effective soil treatment to correct the low pH problem that is predominant in Atlanta's red clay soil. Forty pounds of lime per 1000 square feet annually is generally recommended.
WHAT IS THE BEST FERTILIZER TO USE?
Pike Family Nurseries has been helping the people of Atlanta select fertilizer for over 40 years. After several years of intensive research we have decided to develop a blend of fertilizer that will be most beneficial to the grass in the Addis area. The result of this research is Pike's Atlanta Turf Special.
PIKE'S ATLANTA TURF SPECIAL®
Best for Atlanta Lawns - Pike Family Nurseries has helped to keep Atlanta lawns green for over 40 years. Now they have joined together to develop Atlanta Turf Special. This fertilizer is designed expressly to meet the needs of lawns in the Atlanta area.
Used By Professionals - Most fertilizers are very effective for two to three weeks after application and then their effectiveness tapers off dramatically. Professional turf managers know that the most cost-efficient fertilizer is one that greens quickly and hors for several months. Atlanta Turf Special has a polymer shell covering around the Nitrogen granules. This shell allows for a very slow, controlled release of the fertilizer over a three month period.
Environmentally Responsible - Because of the slow-release nature of Atlanta Turf Special, nearly all of the fertilizer is actually used by the grass. With quick-release fertilizers such as 8-8-8, 10-10-10, 6-12-12, and Ammonium Nitrate, only a small amount of available nitrogen is actually used by the grass. The nitrogen not used becomes nitrate run-off and enters our water supply. Using Atlanta Turf Special helps to keep our drinking water safe.
For best results, establish a plan or program of lawn care. A beautiful lawn needs regular applications of fertilizers, weed and insect control products, in addition to proper mowing and watering. Certain turfgrasses require mare nitrogen (and different application times) than others. For best results, follow the feeding recommendations below:
FERTILIZATION RATES FOR ATLANTA TURF SPECIAL®