What Types of Fertilizers Can Be Used For Fertilizing Lawns?

Answer 1

For quality growth and substance, lawns need fertilizer. Good fertilizer supplies food for the lawn and improves the condition of the soil for sustained growth. Fertilizing will improve the strength and look of any lawn.

Fertilizers come in two basic types, chemical and organic. Chemical fertilizers often contain specified amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and magnesium. They come in sprays and granules and must be applied according to the package directions. Too much chemical fertilizer can damage a lawn, and too little won't produce the desired results.

Chemical fertilizers are harmful to aquatic life and should not be used around ponds, lakes, or any water supply. Doing so kills fish and can damage the ecosystem. Try not to use them immediately before a heavy rain either since infiltration and run-off tend to bring chemical fertilizers to water supplies.

Organic fertilizers are found in the form of manure and compost. Steer manure and chicken manure are often used because of the high nitrogen, phosphorus, and magnesium content, but they tend to have a lingering odor for the first few weeks after the application. Horse manure also works well and doesn't have quite as strong an odor as either steer or chicken manure. Any of these manures are good for fertilizing lawns.

Vermicompost can be obtained at wormeries or can be produced at home using worms and organic materials. Vermicompost is richer in the necessary elements than regular compost and stays in the soil longer than chemical fertilizers. The liquid produced by vermiculture, known as worm tea, can be diluted with water and sprayed on the lawn.

Regular organic compost contains lower concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and magnesum. Consumers can purchase compost at speciality locations, or they can make compost using nearly any biodegradable household products.

Chemical fertilizers tend to be cheaper than organic counterparts, and need to reapplied at regular intervals for peak performance. They are easier to obtain than organic fertilizers because chemical fertilizers are available at almost any store that carries lawn supplies. Organic fertilizers often must be obtained through lawn and garden supply stores or speciality stores.

The choice to use chemical or organic fertilizers should be made based on location, need and price. Organic fertilizers are more environmentally friendly, but chemical fertilizers are generally cheaper and more accessible. However, both chemical and organic fertilizers are good for fertilizing lawns.