Top Tips - Don’t be afraid of fertiliser!

What is a fertiliser?

The main macronutrients are N nitrogen, P Phosphorus and K potassium. There are also several micronutrients including Fe iron, Zn Zinc, copper and boron etc. The term macro means these nutrients are needed in larger quantities, whereas the micronutrients are required in smaller quantities. 

What do the main 3 nutrients do?

Nitrogen will help promote leaf growth and it will also aid in giving fine turf a rich dark green colour. It is also a key component of chlorophyll which aids plants to create sugars using sunlight - the more common name of a plant’s food process known as photosynthesis. Phosphorus, another important process in photosynthesis, will help transfer and store energy which, in turn, will help promote root growth. Potassium will help control the water uptake and the water pressure in cells, which is a key component in the stretching of cell walls. It is also a useful aid in protecting against turf stresses and diseases.

How do I know when to fertilise?

Any experienced qualified turf professional will know when their fine turf is hungry or not firing on all cylinders. However, it is vitally important to regularly have a soil analysis carried out - at least once, if not twice, a year. This will help in receiving data analysis showing what is lacking and what is needed to put things right to promote healthy turf. I must also stress it is important not to overfeed! This can stretch the cell walls too much and allow pathogens to invade, thus leading to a disease outbreak.

How do you apply fertiliser?

There are a few ways to apply fertiliser; whether it be through spraying or using what is known very well in the turf industry, a fertiliser spreader or distributor. This will disperse the granules across the fine turf evenly and, with slight adjustments, you can choose what amount you would like to disperse. A very common rate is 35g m2, however here at Maesteg, we disperse at a half-app rate of 16/17g m2; this is a personal preference to not aid in overfeeding.

How do I know what fertiliser is best? 

This is all down to the individual. You may have used a particular fertiliser since day one and stuck to it - which is fine if it is working. There is no harm in asking fellow peers for advice, or you could request a meeting with local reps from different companies to see what is available and what will work best for your turf. As previously mentioned, it always comes down to the manager’s final decision and what will work best for their fine turf!

James Matthewman is Deputy Head Greenkeeper at Maesteg Golf Club and welcomes topics for future Top Tips.