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Fertilizing Your Lawn


What is fertilizer?
Fertilizer is a substance that improves the mineral composition of the native soil.  Richer, more fertile soil, will in turn, promote healthier plant growth.  Many elements contribute to the soil's fertility.  There are three primary elements (macronutrients) which are needed by plants:  Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).   For optimum plant growth, these elements are needed in large quantities and are not readily available in most soils.

There are also three secondary elements:  Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S).  Calcium and magnesium are often supplied when lime is added to the soil.  Sulfur is produced from decomposing organic matter…a good reason for leaving the grass clippings on your lawn. 
In addition to these major minerals, there are seven micronutrients:  Boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), chloride (Cl), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and zinc (Zn).  While these minerals are   essential for plant growth, they are needed in very small quantities.  Micronutrients are also referred to as minor or trace elements. 

The right fertilizer analysis in the soil is important for several reasons.   First, a healthy plant fights insect and disease damage much better than an unhealthy one.  Second, proper fertilization promotes more consistent plant growth and bloom development.  Third, it encourages better root development.

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.  Sometimes the numbers do not add up to 100%.  That is because minor elements and fillers can also be included in the bag.

What does each major element do?

Nitrogen

  1. Essential in chlorophyll production and photosynthesis.
  2. Encourages a healthy green color.
  3. Promotes vigorous blade, leaf and stem growth.
  4. Improves overall plant health, quality, and density.
  5. Helps plants to withstand environmental stresses.
     

Phosphorus

  1. Like nitrogen, phosphorous is an essential part of photosynthesis.  It transfers solar energy into chemical energy.
  2. Promotes early plant development
  3. Hastens plant maturity.
  4. Promotes bloom and root development.
  5. Helps plants to withstand environmental stresses.


 Potassium

  1. Helps to build proteins and aids in photosynthesis.
  2. Improves fruit quality.
  3. Reduces plant diseases.
  4. Enhances overall plant health and vigor.


What does lime do?
Just because fertilizer is in the soil doesn't mean that the plant is able to use it.  When a soil’s pH level is too acidic or too alkaline, it can severely limit the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients from the soil. 

The pH scale ranges from 1.0 to 14.0.  Neutral is 7.0.  Anything that is 6.9 and below is in the acidic range.  Anything 7.1 and above is the alkaline range.  Most plants perform best when the soil’s pH level is 6.5 to 7.2.  The southeast’s red clay soil usually has an acidic pH level of around 5.7.  Lime is used to raise the soil’s pH level.  Therefore, an annual application of 40 pounds of lime per 1000 square feet is generally recommended. 

What is the best fertilizer to use?
PENNINGTON SIGNATURE SERIES LAWN FERTILIZER

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 feeds for several months.  Pennington Signature Series Lawn Fertilizer is phosphorus free and contains iron to produce a deep, green color.  It is quick greening and long lasting…up to four months. 

Environmentally Responsible - Because of the slow-release nature of Pennington Signature Series Lawn Fertilizer, nearly all of the fertilizer is actually used by the grass.  With quick-release fertilizers such as 8-8-8, 10-10-10 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 Pennington Signature Series Lawn Fertilizer 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 turf grasses require more nitrogen (and different application times) than others.  For best results, follow the feeding recommendations on the fertilizer bag.