nitrogen in the spring, fall (better/worse/indifferent)

1917 Views 5 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Powhatan, May 18, 2018

kolbasz

Discussion Starter · May 18, 2018

Was reading through a few posts mentioning fall fert and not so much in the spring. I was under the impression we want both with the difference being in the spring we stop before the soil temps hit 80 degrees.

Is one better than the other? Or does the fall blitz mostly eliminate the need to fertilize in the spring?

Save

1 - 1 of 6 Posts

g-man

· #3 · May 18, 2018

I'm going to quote this study from Univ. of Illinois. http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state/newsdetail.cfm?NewsID=5814

"Unfortunately, nitrogen fertilizer promotes shoot growth at the expense of the root system," says Robson. "Even with cool soil temperatures, the grass plant shifts growth to shoots to use the nitrogen. The root system stays undeveloped. We have been conditioned to expect a thick, green, lush lawn in the spring as soon as temperatures warm. Part of the problem can be traced back to the crabgrass killer combination products."

Underdeveloped roots could the reduce the ability to recover/survive from diseases or drought. I do apply some nitrogen in the late spring (~first week of may). I normally go with a fast acting one to avoid feeding into the summer. Mid summer I might do half bag rate of Milo.

Save

1 - 1 of 6 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month