What is it?
Nitrogen is needed in the greatest quantity for the growing grass plant, unlike the other major nutrients its derived from organic matter rather than soil minerals.
How it’s used:
Used in the grass plant for chlorophyll production for green colour and plant and leaf growth.
Timing:
Used all year round but in greater amounts in the growing season.
Effects of incorrect procedure:
Over use of nitrogen will create excessive leaf growth, shallow rooting and encourage higher incidences of turf disease aswell as a grass plant with poor tolerance to temperature extremes, drought and wear. It can also encourage weed grasses such as Annual meadow-grass (Poa annua). Particularly avoid applying high amounts of nitrogen outside of growing season.
Equipment selection:
Tractor operated or pedestrian fertiliser distributors or sprayers.
Practical tips:
- Removing grass clippings is a major drain on nitrogen reserves, on fine turf surfaces where clippings are removed greater nitrogen fertiliser application is required.
- The lower the quantity of organic matter the more nitrogen that needs to be applied, this is why pitches on sandy soils or sand constructions require a robust programme of fertilisation.
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