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Fertilizer recommendations for Soil Test #876992

Asked July 12, 2024, 1:35 PM EDT

I had a soil test done recently (#C57BVW) that returned the following results: https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/your-results/code/C57BVW. The soil test indicates the following recommendation (per 1000 sq. feet): • Nitrogen (3 to 4 lb) is needed • Phosphate (0.7 lb) is needed • Potassium (1.7 lb) is needed I have around 80,000 sq ft and I'm looking for advice on how to go about fulfilling these fertilizer needs without breaking the bank. First, maybe a week or two prior to completing the soil test, I had applied a 28-0-3 + crabgrass pre-emergent at a rate of around 0.9 lbs N/1000 sq. ft. Should the recommendation of 3 to 4 lbs of N per 1000 sq. ft. be interpreted to mean in addition to what I've already applied, or can some of what I already applied count against that? Second, I bought some 15-23-10 starter fertilizer to aim at fulfilling the 0.7 lbs of P. Per 1000 sq. ft, it'll apply 0.44 lbs N, 0.7 lbs P, and 0.3 lbs K. I had then hoped to target the K using potash. Would trying to fulfill the full P & K recommendations without also adding more N be problematic? According to the graph, it's clear I'm low on P & K, but it seems like there's much more latitude when it comes to N (depending on high/medium/low maintenance — though it does seem like it really needs N)? For instance, assuming a set cost, would it be more beneficial to go with 2 lbs of N and only half the K rather than minimal N and full K, if that makes sense? Third, when targeting the K with potash, does it matter whether I use MOP or SOP? I was pricing granulated polymer-coated SOP and it’d be close to $800 which is a bit out of my range. Would using granular MOP be a cheaper possibility? Fourth, I’m hoping to develop a working hypothesis from the observations and analysis of the lawn to better understand the bigger picture of what might be happening with it. I’m not sure what the previous residents did, but we inherited a fairly nice lawn with minimal weeds and little clover around 25 years ago. The house was built in the mid 60s, and as best as I can tell, the grass seems to be a mix of perennial ryegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, and KY 31 tall fescue. We installed an irrigation system hooked up to well water and have watered around 1” per week. For the past 20 years or so, we've had a company apply a crabgrass pre-emergent and weed & feed twice a year. I’d guess maybe a total of around 0.5 - 1.5 lbs of N/1000 sq. ft. per year. We’ve mowed the grass at around 3” and bagged the clippings rather than mulch. Over the years, the lawn has started to get progressively worse. There are more and more weeds each year. There’s quite a bit of thatch buildup. I’ve noticed what looks to be fungal-type diseases affecting the grass. There’s been an increase in the amount of clover and there now seems to be quite a bit of black medick. I’m not entirely sure but I believe there may be an increase in the amount of moss in the yard, quite a bit in areas of high sun. ln the spring at least, areas where the dog has peed at first develop a rich deep green and great growth before eventually succumbing to a N burn (suggesting to me that it’s pretty low in N). So, my hypothesis for trying to understand this is the following: By bagging the grass clippings for the past 20+ years, we’ve basically been taking nutrients from the ground without ever returning them to it unless we put down fertilizer. The 0.5 - 1.5 lbs of N/1000 sq. ft per year that we did put down has not been adequate and over time we’ve developed a deficit, as is evidenced by the clover and black medic, etc. At the same time, while we’ve added N, we’ve kind of been using up the P and K that was there resulting in a deficit in those, which could result in more disease susceptibility like fungal issues, etc. Does this seem like a reasonable take on things? I’ve changed to mowing at 3 ½” and that seems to have helped somewhat with moss. Would cutting the grass with a mulching kit reduce the amount of fertilizer we would need to apply? Thanks

Kent County Michigan

Expert Response

Mark - in reviewing our soil test results, I see your soil is generally healthy with sufficient organic matter and high CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity) which indicates the ability of the soil to bind with the fertilizers when applied.  Below Optimum Potassium is fairly easy to address with a  separate Potassium fertilizer application.  Let me answer your questions in order so I don't miss anything.  

1. Should you count the prior fertilizer application as part of the recommended amount.? Yes the 28-0-3 fertilizer provides the Nitrogen needed but if you enter the bag numbers from the bag  into the Fertilizer Calculator (found under Tools), the recommended amount for this product is 3.57 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft.  So clearly if you continued to use this product throughout the year, you would divide up the remainder of the 3.57 lbs. in the applications.

2.  Using 15-23-10 starter fertilizer - Would trying to fulfill the full P & K recommendations without also adding more N be problematic?  Applying a general fertilizer like this will not be a problem for the Nitrogen as long as your turf is irrigated.   Since Nitrogen is mobile (taken up by the turf and going through the soil) the amount available to the turf will vary based on timing of fertilizer application.  To simplify your fertilizer applications, I would recommend you focus on applying a general fertilizer to meet the Nitrogen goal.  The smaller amount of Potassium will be beneficial but not sufficient to significantly affect these nutrients in the soil.  Then separately you can apply a Potassium only fertilizer at a high percentage to address that nutrient.  Most farm mills carry large bags of Potash that farmers use typically with the numbers 0-0-52, 0-0-60 or 0-0-62.  The higher the number the greater percentage of Potassium in the product and the lower amount you would apply.  Whichever product you purchase, come back to the MSU soil test site and enter the bag numbers into the Fertilizer Calculator (again found under Tools) to determine how much of that specific product to apply in a year (pro-rating the quantity for your larger area).  

You will note that I am not recommending applying Phosphorous which readily binds with the soil and is primarily beneficial for root growth for lawns being newly seeded.   A Michigan law recommends not applying Phosphorous unless that is the case and with special consideration about applications around water areas.  For more info, I am including a link to an article about fertilizers and the effect on water.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/fertilizing-home-lawns-to-protect-water-quality

 3. When targeting the K with potash, does it matter whether I use MOP or SOP? Muriate of Potash will have a higher salt content and since it is naturally occurring will be lower priced than Sulfate of Potash (which must be produced).  It you were producing vegetable crops, the difference in the salt may effect the crop production but with turf, you should be fine using MOP at the lower cost.

4.  By bagging the grass clippings for the past 20+ years, we’ve basically been taking nutrients from the ground without ever returning them to it unless we put down fertilizer.  Turf can be very resilient and healthy if you follow some basic principles.  Adding organic matter, providing sufficient moisture and fertilizer are all ways you can thicken the grass to prevent weed seeds from finding soil to germinate.  Specifically:

a. Set your mower at the highest level possible to maintain grass height that will shade the roots during hot temps.  Turf roots are shorter during hot, dry weather and this will help a good deal.

b.  Do what you can to not mow the grass when it is wet.

c.  Make sure your mower blades are sharp so the grass tips are cut rather than torn.  

d. Try to not remove more than 1/3 of the total leaf surface at each mowing (which may require more frequent mowing during rapid growth periods).

e. Increase organic matter by using a mulching kit and return the grass clippings to the lawn.  This would also apply to  mowed leaves in the fall (which may need to be mowed over several times to break them down).

f. Provide your turf with .5 to 1.5 inches of water per week (which would include rainfall and irrigation).  As the article below states, "light, frequent applications of water are more productive than heavy applications once a week".

https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/resources/pdfs/irrigation_practices_to_preserve_water_quality_(e0009).pdf

And lastly, I am including a link below to the MSU Extension Gardening in Michigan web site where you will find a wealth of information for homeowners such as yourself.  I encourage you to check out the site and explore the various articles, tip sheets and videos.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/tip_sheets/smart-soils

Good job starting with a soil test to first know the health of your soil.  Going forward, focus on the big picture of helping your lawn be as healthy as possible with the tips and suggestions above.  You should see an improvement over time.  Fertilizer changes some times can take several years so be patient.  

Hope that helps!

Diane - MSU Advanced Extension Master Gardener Replied July 13, 2024, 3:16 PM EDT

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