Blog Layout
LEARN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN QUICK AND SLOW RELEASE NITROGEN FERTILIZERS
Fertilizers are used to deliver important nutrients like nitrogen to promote the optimal appearance and health of your lawn. Nitrogen
is an essential amino acid, building block for plant proteins and vital to the rate at which photosynthesis occurs. A plant with sufficient nitrogen exhibits healthy growth and develops a deep green color. Choosing the correct type of nitrogen in your fertilizer can affect the look and health of your lawn as well as how often you need to apply. There are two types of nitrogen options available in fertilizers, quick- and slow- release nitrogen. Below are the pros and cons of both to help determine which fertilizer is best for you.
QUICK-RELEASE NITROGEN FERTILIZERS
Quick-release nitrogen in fertilizers makes nitrogen immediately available to your lawn.
PROS
- Encourages a rapid recovery from nutrient deficiency.
- Immediate results in the lawn growth because it stimulates quick shoot growth and greening.
- More affordable than slow-release fertilizer.
CONS
- Rapidly deteriorates from the soil by washing out of the root zone with too much rain or irrigation.
- Can cause excessive amounts of growth that weaken the health of the plant and leave it more susceptible to insects and diseases.
- Last only 2-4 weeks, which results in multiple applications needed throughout the season.
- Over application can burn your lawn.
- TIP: Do not apply to wet grass or foliage. This will cause burn-like damage to the plant because the fertilizer will dissolve on the plant before reaching the soil. Apply prior to rain or irrigation.
SLOW-RELEASE NITROGEN FERTILIZERS (ALSO KNOWN AS CONTROLLED-RELEASE FERTILIZERS)
As the name alludes, slow-release fertilizers
release a steady amount of nitrogen to your lawn over a longer period of time.
PROS
- Multiple applications are less needed because it releases slow amounts of nitrogen for several weeks after application.
- Provides more uniform grass growth.
- Less likely to burn your lawn.
- Provides a steady rate of nitrogen that will maintain your lawns health throughout the season.
CONS
- Does not provide immediate high rates of nitrogen to aid in quick recovery.
- More expensive than Quick-release fertilizers (but may be a less expensive option if less applications are required).
When choosing which type of nitrogen fertilizer is best, it is important to evaluate the current needs of your lawn and the nitrogen release time required. If you have more questions please contact your local distributor or lawn care professional.
For professional fertilizers, humic and AMP-XC™ enriched products available, please visit TurfCare’s online Product Catalog.
For green industry professionals or others interested in ordering Turfcare products, please contact our Customer Service
to find a distributor near you.
References:
http://www.thelawninstitute.org/pages/education/lawn-maintenance/fertilizers-quickrelease-and-slowrelease-nitrogen-whats-the-difference/
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/quickrelease-vs-slowrelease-nitrogen-fertilizers-80766.html
http://www.lawncare.net/slow-vs-quick-release-fertilizer/
Turf Care Supply - TurfReport Blog
With a focus on providing sustainable manufacturing and reducing carbon emissions, Turf Care Supply has embraced the electric power market with the latest mobile equipment upgrades. Completed in June 2023, TCS received all deliveries of electric forklifts to all three manufacturing facilities, including Hatfield, MA, Martins Ferry, OH and Sebring, FL.
When handling fertilizers and pesticide it is important to follow suggested guidelines and prioritize safety to protect yourself, others, and reduce environmental impact. Here are some general measures to follow: 1.Read and Follow Instructions: Carefully read and understand the product labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and any accompanying instructions provided by the manufacturer. Follow all recommended guidelines, precautions, and application rates.
It’s common knowledge that applying too much fertilizer containing high percentages of readily available nitrogen and water soluble nutrients can result in burn damage to plants, but did you know that damage can still occur even if your application rate is correct? Applying the right product at the right rate, but at the WRONG time can have disastrous consequences.