Spring time in Utah

Now is the time to aerate and Fertilize for crab grass and to green up your lawn.

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Utah landscaping and Lawn care Tips-2012 March Fertilizing and lawn aerating tips

Fertilize and aerate now with an Iron Fertilizer. Your grass will turn very green so that you don’t have to water to get it green.


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Face book-Chris Jensen Landscaping

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Utah company that Fertilizes and Fertilization in detail in Utah

SELECTING AND USING INORGANIC FERTILIZERS
 Extension Soil Specialist products, each with a different concentration of plant nutrients. One fertilizer may be better for a

Nutrient needs vary widely depending on soil conditions, previous fertilizer and organic
matter additions, and the type of plants grown. The best way to determine which nutrients are
needed and in what amounts is to test the soil. A comprehensive soil test (cost: $10.00 to $40.00
per sample) is recommended every two to three years for landscapes and gardens; more frequently

if problems arise. See your Extension County Agent for instructions on how to collect soil

samples and where to send them for analysis.

A soil test report will be accompanied by interpretations and nutrient recommendations

(Figure 1). Nitrogen is the most common nutrient needed. Table 1 summarizes nitrogen

recommendations for a variety of plants. Refer to your soil test report to determine if nitrogen is

needed. Ornamentals such as trees and shrubs, as well as turf, will grow at slower rates if less

nitrogen is used than the recommendations listed in Table 1. Slower growth rates may be desirable

depending on the goal of the landscaper and the intensity of management. Vegetable nitrogen

recommendations are designed to produce optimum yields in a garden setting.

Figure 1. Report from a comprehensive ($40.00) soil test with recommendations for a mixed
vegetable garden.
 

S
The numbers on a fertilizer label refer to the concentration (percent) of three major

ELECTING A FERTILIZER

nutrients in the material: nitrogen (or N), phosphate (or P
example, a 25-3-5 fertilizer (Figure 2) contains 25% nitrogen, 3% phosphate (P
potash (K

0.12 pound of phosphate (4 x 0.03), and 0.2 pound of potash (4 x 0.05). Other common fertilizer

formulations are listed in Table 2. Fertilizer labels have been standardized so that the

concentrations of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash always appear in the same order on the front of

the package. Other components such as iron, zinc, or sulfur may be specified elsewhere on the

label.

The variety of fertilizers on the

market means the homeowner can find

a product to meet any need. Minimize

the application of nutrients listed as

adequate, high, or excessive on a soil test

report. Further application of fertilizers

containing these nutrients may create

an imbalance and reduce plant growth.

If a soil test report recommends only

nitrogen, use ammonium nitrate (34-0-

0), ammonium sulfate (21-0-0), or

another fertilizer high in nitrogen

(Table 2). If nitrogen and phosphorus

are recommended, use a fertilizer such

as 30-10-0. Assume for example that a soil test

report recommends 2 pounds (lbs) of nitrogen and 1 pound of phosphate per 1000 square feet.

Using the 20-27-5 formulation (Table 2) would result in the over-application of phosphate, while

the 30-10-0 formulation (Table 2) would slightly under-apply phosphate. The gardener may

decide to apply 20-27-5 for one year and build up soil phosphorus levels, then retest the soil and

switch to a nitrogen-only fertilizer in subsequent years. Alternatively 34-0-0 or 21-0-0 could be

applied to meet the nitrogen requirement and 0-45-0 to meet the phosphorus requirement.

2O5), and potash (or K2O). For2O5), and 5%2O). This means that 4 pounds of 25-3-5 would supply 1 pound of nitrogen (4 x 0.25),

Table 1.
Annual nitrogen recommendations for landscape and garden plants.
 

Plants General requirements Recommendation
Ornamentals
Intermediate: standard landscapes 1 to 2 pounds of nitrogen/1000 sq ft
High: flower beds, new landscapes 2 to 4 pounds of nitrogen/1000 sq ft

Low: xeriscapes, natural areas 0 to 1 pound of nitrogen/1000 sq ft

Turf*
Intermediate maintenance 2 to 3 pounds of nitrogen/1000 sq ft
High maintenance 4 to 6 pounds of nitrogen/1000 sq ft
Low maintenance 0 to 1 pound of nitrogen/1000 sq ft

Vegetables**
Intermediate: asparagus, beet, carrot,
melon, cauliflower, broccoli, brussels
sprouts, celery, pepper, tomato,

lettuce, radish, spinach, turnip, squash,

pumpkins

2 to 3 pounds of nitrogen/1000 sq ft

High: onion, sweet corn, potato 4 to 6 pounds of nitrogen/1000 sq ft

Low: peas, beans 1 to 2 pounds of nitrogen/1000 sq ft

*Split the total amount of nitrogen into two or more separate applications made over the growing season.
To prevent burning do not apply more than 1 ½ pounds of nitrogen/1000 sq feet in a single
application.
**For high nitrogen requirement vegetables, apply the intermediate recommendation before planting, then

broadcast or band additional nitrogen after plants are well established (see text under fertilizer

application methods).

Figure 2. Two common fertilizers sold in Utah
.
 

Table 2.
Common fertilizers found in Utah landscape, garden, and farm supply stores.
 

Name
Fertilizer label
(Nitrogen-Phosphate-Potash
)

Single nutrient fertilizers
Ammonium sulfate 21-0-0
Urea 46-0-0
Triple superphosphate 0-45-0

Potassium chloride 0-0-60

Ammonium nitrate 34-0-0

Multi-nutrient fertilizers
Turf fertilizer 30-10-0
Lawn fertilizer 29-3-4
Lawn food 25-3-5

Turf builder 32-3-2

Starter fertilizer 20-27-5

Winterizer 22-4-14

Balanced fertilizer 16-16-16

Ammonium phosphate 11-52-0 or 18-46-0

Special purpose fertilizers
Rose food 20-10-5
Acidic fertilizer 30-10-10
Fertilizers vary considerably in price. The cost of different fertilizers should be compared

on a per pound of nutrient basis. Cost per pound depends on the package price, weight, and

nutrient concentration in the fertilizer. For example, if a 36 lb bag of 29-3-4 cost $15.88 and a 20

lb bag of 21-0-0 cost $2.99, which is the least expensive source of nitrogen? The cost per pound

of nitrogen is $1.52 for the 29-3-4 and $0.71 for the 21-0-0. More expensive fertilizers often

contain pesticides for weed or insect control, and may have added micronutrients or slow release

characteristics. Compare prices among products and purchase fertilizers with special additives

only if they are needed. Most fertilizers containing herbicides are meant to be used on turf and will

stress ornamental trees and shrubs, and kill most vegetables and flowers. Read and follow label

instructions carefully when using fertilizers containing pesticides.

Vegetable food 12-12-12

F
ERTILIZER RATE CALCULATIONS
 

Nutrient recommendations for gardens and landscapes are expressed in pounds per 1000
square feet (Figure 1; Table 1). Calculate the amount of fertilizer needed by using the soil test
nutrient recommendation, the concentration of nutrients in the fertilizer selected, and the size of
the area fertilized. Garden and landscape areas are usually different than 1000 square feet.

Estimate the size of the area to be fertilized by pacing or using a measuring tape to determine the

length and width. Multiply the length by the width to calculate area. A simple formula used to

calculate the amount of fertilizer required to meet a nutrient recommendation is:

Fertilizer needed
1000 sq. feet
× 1 lb fertilizer
Y lb nutrient

× Z sq. feet area

’

X lbs of nutrientwhere
of the nutrient in the fertilizer
fertilized.

X is the nutrient recommendation from a soil test report in lbs/1000 sq ft, Y is the percentdivided by 100, and Z is the square footage of the area to beExample:
nitrogen per 1000 square feet. The garden area is 1400 square feet. How much 34-0-0 fertilizer is
required in this situation?
by 100), and

answer of 8.2 pounds of 34-0-0 fertilizer for the garden.

pint volume equals approximately 1 pound of dry fertilizer.

A gardener is using ammonium nitrate (34-0-0) fertilizer to supply 2 pounds of

Answer: In the above equation, X is 2 pounds, Y is 0.34 (34% dividedZ is 1400 square feet. Entering these numbers into the equation above gives anA helpful conversion for fertilizers is 1The amount of fertilizer calculated in the above example may not seem like much when
spread over a large area (see Figure 3). Consider, however, that a high yielding crop of silage
corn may require 200 pounds of nitrogen per acre, which is approximately 4 ½ pounds of nitrogen
per 1000 square feet (similar to the sweet corn nitrogen recommendation in Table 1). To facilitate

ease of use and keep transportation costs low, inorganic fertilizers are manufactured as highly

concentrated sources of nutrients. This means that applicators need to accurately calculate and

apply fertilizers at the appropriate rates to supply the correct amount of plant nutrients without

damaging plants or causing adverse environmental effects.

F
ERTILIZER APPLICATION METHODS
 

Fertilizers may be broadcast on the surface then tilled or watered into soil, or banded on or
beneath the soil surface (Figure 3) . Broadcasting is efficient and often the method of choice in
areas with perennial plants. Two main types of broadcast applicators are available: the rotary
spreader and the drop spreader (Figure 4). Drop spreaders can uniformly apply a wide range of

fertilizer rates; however, the path of spread is limited to the width of the unit (normally 18 inches

to 3 feet for low cost units). Rotary spreaders broadcast fertilizer in a 10 to 20 foot wide path

with less uniformity and rate control than drop spreaders. Either spreader type will work well for

homeowners if properly calibrated and operated.

Figure 3. Ammonium nitrate (34-0-0) applied at the rate of 2 lbs nitrogen per 1000 square feet broadcast on
the soil surface (left) or banded in rows with 24 inch spacing (right).
Figure 4. Rotary (left) and drop (right) fertilizer
spreaders.

Utah State University Extension is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer and
educational organization. We offer our programs to persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex,
religion, age or disability.
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in

cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Robert L. Gilliland, Vice-President and Director,

Cooperative Extension Service, Utah State University, Logan, Utah. (EP/DF/02-99)

Spreaders are adjustable for different
fertilizers and rates of application. Spreader
manufacturers often list calibration settings for
specific fertilizers. Likewise, many fertilizer

manufacturers list settings for specific spreader

models. Since manufacturers cannot list

calibration settings for all situations, it is good

practice to calibrate the unit for your use. Set the

spreader to the closest manufacturer’s setting for

the rate and type of fertilizer you will apply. Place

2 pints of kitty litter in the unit and spread in a

continuous straight path. Note the width of the

spread path and the distance traveled to broadcast

the litter. Calculate the rate of application (assuming 1 pint of litter equals 1 pound of fertilizer)

and compare this to the rate needed. For example, if a rotary spreader broadcasts a 10 foot wide

path and you traveled 40 feet to empty 2 pints of litter from the hopper, the rate of application

would be equivalent to 2 pounds per 400 square feet (10 ft x 40 ft), or 5 lbs/1000 square feet. If a

different rate is needed the spreader setting should be changed and the unit calibrated again. Once

a spreader is calibrated for a specific rate keep a record of the setting for future use. .

Avoid streaking caused by fertilizer skips and overlap by applying one-half of the

calculated rate while traveling in one direction and the remaining one-half while traveling in a

perpendicular direction. This method of application is especially useful for turf fertilization where

streaking is common.

Banding (Figure 3) is a convenient way to make in-season fertilizer applications to high

nitrogen requiring vegetables like corn. To band fertilizer first calculate the amount needed for an

area as if you were going to broadcast the material. Divide this amount by the number of plant

rows in the area to determine the amount of fertilizer to apply in each row. Make narrow furrows

8 to 10 inches away from the base of the plants, 2 to 3 inches deep. Distribute the fertilizer evenly

in the furrow and cover with soil.

Foliar applications can be made with any water-soluble product and are commonly used

for applying small amounts of micronutrients such as iron and zinc. There is potential for foliar

burning with sprays so follow product label instructions carefully. A 2% fertilizer solution by

weight is generally safe for use as a foliar spray. Mix a 2% solution by adding 0.15 lb

(approximately 1.25 fluid ounces or 2 ½ tablespoons) fertilizer per gallon of water. Apply foliar

sprays early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize leaf burning. Thoroughly cover

foliage with the spray solution.

http://www.ext.usu.edu
 
 
 

 

 

 

U
F
Rich Koenig,
Larry Rupp
January 1999 HG-509, Extension Horticulturist
I
Homeowners recognize the need for timely fertilizer applications to enhance plant growth
NTRODUCTIONin landscapes and gardens. However, the number of different products on the market can be
overwhelming. Nursery and garden supply stores commonly stock a dozen or more fertilizer

specific situation than another, and different fertilizers need to be applied at different rates to

supply the correct amount of plant nutrients.

Improper fertilizer application can contribute to surface and ground water pollution, may

induce a plant nutrient deficiency or toxicity, or cause salt burn. Properly used, inorganic

fertilizers are safe for plants and the environment. The purpose of this guide is to provide general

selection and use information for inorganic fertilizers. See the related guide,

Organic Fertilizers,

Selecting and Usingfor similar information on organic products.D
ETERMINING NUTRIENT NEEDS
 

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