Lawn Fertilizers

There are three different types of lawn and garden fertilizers:

Synthetics

Organics

Bridge products

Synthetic fertilizers Synthetic fertilizers are manmade; they do not contain organic material. Unless formulated for slow-release, they are usually highly water-soluble. This can be both good and bad. The nutrients are available for quick absorption by plants, so your lawn greens up quickly. But rain or irrigation can leach extra nutrients (not absorbed by plants) into groundwater or wash them off into surface water. Also, synthetic fertilizers often have a high percentage of nitrogen, which may deplete the organic matter in the soil. Organic fertilizers Organic fertilizers are derived from plant and animal wastes and from natural minerals. They release nutrients slowly through microbial action, reducing harmful leaching. They also add benefi cial organic matter to the soil. This helps make nutrients more readily available and improves the retention and movement of water and air. Many of our lawns have poor soil with little organic material or available nutrients. These lawns tend to be pale and thin unless nutrients are added. Organic fertilizers provide both nutrients and essential organic matter to make the lawn healthier over time, but soil rejuvenation takes time. The lawn does not green up quickly as with synthetic fertilizers. But if organic matter is not added, the lawn will always need frequent applications of fertilizers. Bridge fertilizers Bridge products have elements of both organic and synthetic fertilizers. In Harmony uses bridge products to harness the environmental benefi ts of an organic fertilizer to the quick response of synthetic materials. Readily available nutrients from the synthetic component give a quick boost to lawns and improve their color, while the organic component adds essential organic matter and slowly releases nutrients to the soil. With the use of bridge products, In Harmony can develop a lawn's soil into a healthy system while improving its shortterm appearance. Most lawn fertilizers are formulated to supply the three primary nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and sometimes include iron and magnesium. Calcium is added as part of a lime treatment to adjust soil acidity in the winter months. When micronutrients are defi cient in lawns, we apply a liquid formulation containing all of the micronutrients. References How to Choose and Use Organic Fertilizers—Natural Fuels. Reich, Lee. http://www.doityourself.com/garden/other/ naturalfuels.htm December 7, 2000. Organic Fertilizers. Washington State University Cooperative Extension. http://clallam.wsu.edu/waterquality/orgfert.htm December 7, 2000.
How Fertilizers and Plant Nutrients Affect Groundwater Quality. Stevens, R.G., Sullivan, D.M., and Cogger, C.G. http://www. cahe.wsu.edu/infoput/eb1722/eb1722.html December 7, 2000