FertilityTurfgrass species
: Tour: Management Programs and Site Environments
Fertility
Of the sixteen elements necessary
for the growth of grasses, nitrogen imposes the most visible influence and potential
control on the management of turfs. For most turfs, it is useful to look at the intended
level of nitrogen fertilization in three major groups. These groups represent a low, medium, and high level of intensity of management.
Providing up to two pounds of actual
nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft. per year is appropriate for turfs to be maintained as general
ground covers, highway right-of-ways, or areas of little use.
The level of nitrogen fertilization
often supplied to sites such as home lawns, parks, and other medium intensity turfs is
approximately 2 to 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft. per year.
Sports turfs or other highly
trafficked turf surfaces would require a high level of nitrogen fertilization receiving
more than 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft. per year.
To view the turfgrasses species that are best adapted to these levels of nitrogen management click on the appropriate link and a list of species will be presented.
LOW (0 to 2 pounds of Nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft. per year)
MEDIUM (2 to 4 pounds of Nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft. per year)
HIGH (More than 4 pounds of Nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft. per year)