OT--Fertilizer Problems

Pappy · May 9, 2011

What is happening? I buy fertilizer for my lawn from the big box home improvement stores, various brands, spread it, water it and nothing happens, absolutely nothing! Could I be getting "old" fertilizer?
This year, I was at Costo and saw them unloading a truck of fertilizer. I bought a bag and put it on the lawn, watered it and then got some rain.
In the last 14 days, I have cut 8 to 9 inches of grass from my lawn. Two mowings. What are your thoughts about my problem? Does fertilizer go bad in the bag?

paul · May 9, 2011

P & K should be there for a long, long time.

N could escape to moisture, but would take some doing from a bagged fertilizer.

What are the numbers on the bag, more N will mean lusher grass now; more P or K means a better root & plant structure to support itself long term. They sell all sorts of mixes.

--->Paul

LAA · May 9, 2011

Check the soil PH -- fertilizer does not release the nutrients near as well in lime deficient soil.

JDseller · May 9, 2011

Saying fertilizer is kind of like saying tractor. Many different types and purposes.

Like Paul said. The numbers on the bag tell you the mix.
First number is the nitrogen
Second in the Phosphorus
Third is Potassium

N P K chemical symbols

For rapid green up you need nitrogen. For long term roots and stand then P & K.

The big box stores many times know that most consumers don"t know anything about fertilizer so they only keep low rate stuff on hand. For two reasons: One it is cheaper because less active ingredients. Two If you put too much high rate fertilizer on you can kill the grass.

Go to a farm supply store and buy a balanced fertilizer. 15-15-15 is a very common mix. Then put about 200 lbs per acre of grass.

Michael Soldan · May 10, 2011

I don't think age effects the fertilizer value,I have pread old bagged fertilizer on pasture and it worked well,had to break it up with a hammer. You may have gotten a weaker blend for your lawn as another poster pointed out. You may also have a slow release variety that takes a while before you see results.

David G · May 10, 2011

The nitrogen in granular fertilizer will escape quickly if not wet down or incorporated. I would expect that last time you applied the fertilizer and did not have rain or water for a while.

You applied it correctly this time by watering immediately.

OT--Fertilizer Problems

Pappy

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paul

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LAA

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JDseller

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Michael Soldan

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David G

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