Fertiliser maintains the health of the grass and appearance of the football pitch. It does this by providing building blocks for growth. Without it, you’re going to see slow growth, poor recovery after damage, and unsightly grass plants aswell as other potential factors such as disease.
Fertiliser can be liquid, granular or powdery. It can be a mixture of three major nutrients, as well as some minor nutrients. Major nutrients are the ones that typically need to be replenished in the soil most often. Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) also sometimes labelled as potash. Minor nutrients you may find in the mix: iron (Fe), molybdenum (Mo), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), boron, magnesium (Mg), sulphur (S).
It’s important to plan your application of fertiliser (your ‘feeding’ programme) around your pitch’s needs. Most conventional (also know as straight release) granular fertilisers can be applied every 4-6 weeks but may not be the most cost effective solution. Slow and controlled release granular fertilisers can last up to 4-6 months in fertile clay soils and provide a steadier, even pattern of growth. Apply prior to steady rainfall or where irrigation can be applied when there is little to no wind.
Applying in dry weather can scorch the grass. Take care not to overapply Nitrogen especially in the late autumn or winter! It can produce soft, weak growth. Grass will damage and wear easily and won’t recover well.
Tractor and pedestrian fertiliser spreaders.
Divide the application rate by two and apply in two directions to ensure good coverage. Proper soil analysis is recommended to determine how much and what type of fertiliser is needed but here’s a tip: nourished grass is a lush green, undernourished grass is tinged yellow.
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