Q. What do the numbers on the bag mean?

There are always 3 numbers in a fertilizer analysis, whether it is 34-0-0, 10-20-10, or 17-6-6. These numbers represent percentages. The first number represents Nitrogen (N). The second is total Phosphorus (P) and the third represents total Potassium (K). Any number following the analysis are the secondary and micro nutrients. They include Iron, Sulphur, Boron, Magnesium, Manganese, Copper, Zinc, Calcium, Molybdenum, and Chlorine.

Q. Why are there different analysis’?

There are different analysis’ because the nutrients each perform different tasks. Nitrogen is the most important nutrient in the analysis. Without Nitrogen or even a lack of Nitrogen, the plant cannot break down and utilize the other nutrients. Nitrogen is responsible for the plant’s growth. Phosphorus is responsible for root growth and flowering and seed production. Potassium is responsible for root growth and plant cell hardiness in the leaves.

Q. Why should I use Ammonium Nitrate or Ammonium Sulphate rather than Urea?

Ammonium Nitrate and Ammonium Sulphate are stabilized forms of nitrogen. Urea will volatize, meaning a high percentage of it evaporates in the air, when air temperatures are over 80 degrees. Simply put, with Ammonium Nitrate or Ammonium Sulphate, more (N) is going into the soil than Urea.

Q. When is the best time to fertilize?

The best time to fertilize is during the plants growing season. Unless your using a slow release fertilizer, you should be fertilizing every 30 – 45 days.

Q. Do I need to water after fertilizing?

Yes. Apply at least ½ inch of water after application. This will reduce volatization and plant injury. Also remember not to fertilize when the grass is wet, to prevent burning of plant tissue.

Q. What are “slow release” fertilizers?

There are homogenous types of fertilizers that have a resinous coating making them completely slow release, but generally “slow release” is implying that the nitrogen source is completely or partially slow release. Eckroat Seed Co. handles 4 types of slow release Nitrogen:

What is Poly Sulphur Coated Urea (SCU)?

This is a normal Urea prill that has a thin coating of Sulphur and a thin coating of a polymer. Water and heat slowly wear at the polymer and Sulphur coating until the Urea prill has been reached and is released. The only problem with this is if a mower runs over the SCU it nicks the coating and the urea is released. Typically SCU will last 1 to 12 weeks.

What is Urea formaldehyde or Nitroform?

Nitroform is the only nitrogen source that directly feeds the microbial organisms in the soil that are responsible for feeding the plant’s root system. Nitroform is broken down through hydrolysis, temperature and microbial activity. Nitroform will last 16 to 24 weeks.

What is Methylene urea or Nutralene?

This reacted methylene-urea polymer nitrogen has a unique triple-action release for quick, intermediate and long-lasting results. Through a combination of hydrolysis and microbial activity, nitrogen is evenly released over a 12- to 16-week period under a broad range of environmental conditions.

What is Isobutydilene-diurea (IBDU)?

IBDU products are not substantially affected by variations in temperature or bacterial activity. They depend almost entirely upon hydrolysis for release. Typically IBDU will last 8 – 12 weeks.