THE NECESSITY OF NITROGEN IN SUSTAINING YOUR LAWN CARE PROGRAM!
All plants require a certain balance of elements for proper growth and appearance. Among these balanced elements are the primary macronutrients, Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P)
and Potassium (K), which are needed in the greatest quantities. Fertilizers generally contain a variety of these elements to maintain a healthy lawn, so that it can successfully ward off weeds, insects and disease. In this article we will explore the primary macronutrient, nitrogen (N). Nitrogen is one of only two elements needed in lawns that directly shows a discernible impact in grass (iron
is the other). Discover why nitrogen is such an important component of a lawn care maintenance program:
WHAT IS NITROGEN?
Nitrogen or “N” is a primary plant nutrient that is a major component of various biological molecules, including amino acids, chlorophyll, co-enzymes, nucleic acids, and proteins. N is absorbed from the soil through the plant's root system. N is crucial for plant growth, but if applied incorrectly, it can be problematic (burning of lawn and/or leaching out of the root zone). When applying nitrogen, the goal is to supply plants with the proper amount and in a timely manner.
NITROGEN BENEFITS LAWNS BY:
- Stimulating shoot growth that aids in spring green-up; when applied in spring, nitrogen can help turf recover from environmental stresses and injury caused during the cooler season. Shoot growth is stimulated by nitrogen which in turn stimulates root growth. A modest application of N in the spring, and then timely spreading throughout the growing season will help fortify turf to better withstand the stress of summer.
- Aiding in the creation of chlorophyll; chlorophyll is responsible for producing the green pigment in grass and is the compound by which plants use sunlight to produce sugars from carbon dioxide and water. N is known to give plants a deep green color following an application.
- Sustaining plant health by manufacturing amino acids; amino acids make up the building blocks of proteins. Proteins allow turf to sustain life in two ways: 1) they act as structural units in the plant cell 2) they are the building blocks of enzymes which make biochemical reactions possible.
- Assisting in the production of genetic material; nitrogen is a significant component of nucleic acids (DNA), the genetic material that allows plants to grow and reproduce.
HOW TO TELL IF A LAWN HAS A NITROGEN DEFICIENCY
Nitrogen deficiencies can present themselves in a variety of ways. Here are seven signs to help you identify if your turf is nitrogen deficient:
- Turf grass appears pale green because photosynthesis capacity has decreased, therefore interrupting food production.
- Plant growth rate begins too slow.
- Decreased tolerance from foot traffic as well as normal wear and tear, resulting in slower turf grass recovery.
- Thinning and weakening of turf that exposes grass to an increased risk of weed invasion.
- Decreased tolerance to environmental stresses like high temperatures, drought, and cool temperatures.
- Increased susceptibility to lawn diseases such as dollar spot, red thread, crown rust and more.
- Lawn density will decrease, causing runoff water to collect and then slowly disappear.
- NOTE: An overabundance of nitrogen will stimulate rapid shoot growth and diminished root growth, resulting in more frequent mowing in addition to depleting carbohydrate reserves, causing turf to be less stress tolerant. Excessive levels of N can result in thinner leaf tissue that loses moisture, creating the need for more water. Excessive N also increases the likelihood of tissue damage from an insect invasion or a microbial pathogen. Last, too much N can also lead to excessive thatch.
BEST TIMES TO APPLY NITROGEN
Timing is key when applying N to turf grass. N should be applied to avoid periods of significant plant loss and to provide proper N when turf needs it most. Good times for nitrogen applications include, early spring, late spring, early summer (before the stresses of high heat and drought hit) and early fall.
It is important to conduct a soil test to determine the proper amount of nitrogen a lawn needs. A soil test will report a suggested nitrogen application program based on the results.
Overall, the best method to make nitrogen available for plant uptake is by applying it regularly throughout the season with an effective
lawn care routine.
This includes proper fertilization, proper soil amendments
management, proper mowing
and watering, as well as proper aeration
and thatch
management.
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://blog-yard-garden-news.extension.umn.edu/2011/03/the-good-bad-and-interesting-roles-of.html
http://www.cropnutrition.com/efu-nitrogen
https://forestry.usu.edu/files-ou/HGH04.pdf
https://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/pdf/hgic1201.pdf
https://www.sportsfieldmanagementmagazine.com/columns/turf-health/nitrogen/
http://gsrpdf.lib.msu.edu/ticpdf.py?file=/article/meentemeyer-whitlark-turfgrass-5-6-16.pdf
Turf Care Supply - TurfReport Blog
Turf Care Supply, LLC, a portfolio company of Platte River Equity, has officially acquired Beaty Fertilizer, the industry respected Tennessee-based manufacturer and blender of custom granular and liquid fertilizers, as well as combination products. This strategic move expands Turf Care’s manufacturing footprint, adds new product capabilities, and enhances overall production capacity. “The partnership with Beaty Fertilizer marks a major milestone in our journey and an important step forward in our mission to grow, innovate and lead in our industry,” said Mark Mangan, President of Turf Care. “This acquisition is more than just expansion; it’s a powerful opportunity to strengthen our product offerings, broaden our market reach and provide greater value to our customers. By welcoming Beaty into the Turf Care family, we are reinforcing our commitment to excellence and positioning ourselves for an even brighter future.” “We are excited about this next step in the Beaty Fertilizer story. For almost 50 years, our family and our employees have worked hard to serve customers and communities with pride and heart,” said John Beaty, President of Beaty. “Now, we are embracing an opportunity for growth with Turf Care. With our combined know-how and resources, we’ll keep building on what we’ve worked so hard to create and bring even more value to our customers, employees and partners. We truly believe this partnership will keep the Beaty legacy going strong while opening up new doors for growth and innovation.” Tarun Kanthety, Vice President at Platte River, added, “We believe the acquisition of Beaty Fertilizer represents a strategic step in expanding Turf Care’s footprint and product breadth... as it scales and enhances its value proposition to customers.”
Root out Grubs, Before they Attack Yours! White grubs, the immature stage of several scarab beetles—including Japanese beetles, masked chafers, May and June beetles, and green June beetles—are a major threat to turfgrass across the Southeast. These beetles follow a complete metamorphosis (egg, grub, pupa, adult), with most species completing their cycle in one year. Eggs are laid in early summer, grubs hatch within two weeks, and begin feeding on turfgrass roots through the late summer and fall. May and June beetles differ slightly, with a two- to three-year life cycle and prolonged feeding as third-instar grubs. Grubs damage turf by severing roots, causing grass to yellow, wilt, or lift easily from the soil. Feeding is typically concentrated in patches and worsens during hot, dry weather. Wildlife digging for grubs can create further turf destruction. Healthy turf may tolerate 5–10 grubs per square foot, but damage becomes evident as populations rise or turf is under stress. Early detection and timing are essential. Scouting begins in late June, shortly after adult beetle activity peaks. Monitoring plants favored by beetles can signal egg-laying is underway. Treatment is most effective when small grubs are active—typically from mid-July through early August. For professional turfgrass managers, insecticides containing imidacloprid (Merit®), chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn®), or trichlorfon (Dylox®) are the most effective tools. The primary months of preventative application of Acelepryn® is from April to end of May and Merit® from April into July - targeting grubs before they hatch. Curative treatments with Dylox® or similar products are applied July through the fall, when young grubs are feeding and most vulnerable. Always follow label directions for optimal application and safety. Timing may vary slightly by regional seasonal needs. Turf Care Supply has a variety of professional TCS Growstar insecticide fertilizers available to protect your turf and prevent grub damage, before it starts. Click on the button below to view products, contact your sales rep for addition TC Growstar products available.
Platte River Equity Portfolio Company Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc. Brunswick, OH , October 9, 2024 – Platte River Equity (“Platte River”) portfolio company Turf Care Supply, LLC (“Turf Care”) is pleased to announce its acquisition of Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (“Agri-Nutrients”), a manufacturer and blender of custom granular fertilizers for the turf & ornamental (“T&O”) industry. This strategic acquisition provides Turf Care with an established presence in the south-central United States, an enhanced product portfolio and additional manufacturing capacity. “This acquisition represents much more than a business transaction; it is a strategic step forward in expanding our reach and enhancing our customers’ growth. By bringing Agri-Nutrients into the Turf Care family, we are broadening our product portfolio, expanding our market presence and further positioning ourselves as a leader in providing innovative solutions for our customers,” said Mark Mangan, President of Turf Care. “We are excited about joining the Turf Care team,” said Jim Montgomery, President of Agri-Nutrients. “At Agri-Nutrients, our core values center around customer service and product innovation, and we are confident that this combination will allow us to better serve the needs of our customers.” “Platte River welcomes the Agri-Nutrients team to Turf Care. This transaction underscores our long-term commitment to fostering growth through both organic and inorganic initiatives across the Turf Care platform,” said Tarun Kanthety, Vice President of Platte River. “The partnership with Agri-Nutrients strengthens Turf Care’s value-added offering, creating additional growth opportunities across the combined customer base.” B&A Corporate Advisors served as the exclusive financial advisor to Agri-Nutrients. About Agri-Nutrients Founded in 1992 and based in Catoosa, OK, Agri-Nutrients is a manufacturer and blender of custom granular fertilizers for the T&O industry, predominantly selling into the lawn care, sports turf and golf course end markets. About Turf Care Supply Established in 1974, Turf Care Supply is one of the largest formulators and blenders of urea products to the T&O market. Turf Care has a comprehensive product portfolio of fertilizers, combination products (herbicide/insecticide), soil amendments and enhanced efficiency fertilizer ingredients. Turf Care's products are sold to distributors and blenders serving the commercial, residential and golf end markets. Turf Care operates four manufacturing facilities strategically located throughout the eastern U.S. About Platte River Equity Founded in 2006 and based in Denver, CO, Platte River Equity is a private equity firm focused on investments in established lower middle market operating companies within targeted industrial sectors where it has substantial operating and investing experience. Platte River utilizes prudent capital structures in order to invest in future growth opportunities and withstand changing economic environments. The firm also provides significant ongoing support to its portfolio companies through dedicated resources across functional areas. The firm has raised funds with committed capital in excess of $1.6 billion and is currently investing out of its fifth fund. The Platte River team is the largest collective investor across its funds, deeply aligning the firm with its investors and portfolio company management teams.