Turf Feeding Systems

Turf Feeding Systems Data Central

Frequently Asked Questions

I have a poor irrigation system. My sprinkler spacing is not perfect. Will the fertilizer injection system cause green circles?

This has been a problem with the old practice of injecting several times a month, but when it is lightly injected with each irrigation cycle (Micro-Dosing) the coverage is very even. This is because the sprinkler impact area will move around slightly with changes in the wind, and fill in the possible spacing gaps. Also, the spray mist will carry the nutrients to other areas. This light foliar application will produce a very even coverage and color. Remember that the coverage will be 20-30 light applications. Many turf managers are surprised at how even the course color looks when compared to a total dry fertilizer program.

Will the nutrient burn the grass if I have a blow out or a head sticks on?

The injection rate (Micro-Dosing) of the system is designed to prevent this from happening. The typical injection rate of Micro-Dosing is 20-500 parts per million. That means if you irrigate using one million gallons of water you can apply up to 500 gallons of fertilizer. It also means that if you have a blow-out and pump 20,000 gallons of water you will pump 10 gallons of fertilizer or less with the water if the pump is set at 100%. It will be very diluted. You will have a greener area, but you will not burn or damage the grass.

Will the nutrient in the lines cause damage to the heads or valves?

Since the low parts-per-million rate is used it will never harm the irrigation system.

Will it apply evenly to all the areas? For example, will a green near the pump station get more fertilizer than a green across the course?

Since you will be injecting constantly, but lightly, all the areas will get the same rate. If you trigger a green next to the pump station and put down 1/4 " of water, and also apply the same water to a green the greatest distance from the pump station, you will apply the same nutrient rate to each green. That is because the entire irrigation line is filled with nutrient blended water. Remember, the practice is constant light feeding to replace the nutrient that the plant is using.

Will I still use dry fertilizer products?

The liquid fertilizer injection system may not completely replace the use of dry fertilizer. The injection system will allow you to apply at least 90% of your nutrient needs to the course through the irrigation system, and then possibly just dress the greens or tees lightly with a dry fertilizer as a supplement. You will know how much additional nutrient you will need by the color, the volume of clippings, and the NIBS tissue testing system.

Will I need different fertilizers on the greens, tees, and fairways?

Probably not. If you looked at the water use of different areas on the golf course you would find some interesting facts. The area that needs the highest rate of water is the greens. Then the tees, and finally the fairways. The area that needs the highest nutrient rate per area is the greens, then the tees, and finally the fairways. If you irrigate normally the ratio of the nutrients rates for the different areas will come out surprisingly close.

Is this foliar feeding program just for the plant? Will it produce poor roots?

There is a foliar uptake of about 15% to 25%, which improves nutrient efficiency. The biggest improvement is the light feeding, which will keep the top growth down and allow the plant to put its energy into root growth. Agronomists say that controlled nutrient application and proper watering practices are some of the most important elements to produce a deep strong root structure.

All nutrient application rates are controlled by the turf manager who can apply it lightly at close intervals automatically. You are not storing large quantities of nutrients in the soil that can cause uncontrolled plant growth or be leached away with rains. Feed for color and control the plant growth rate and plant health based on nutrition diagnostics. This is the best way to grow in a new landscape. You can also push the growth without damage by putting more dry fertilizer on wet turf.

Liquid fertilizer is the best product to feed new young plants with little, if any root structure. Foliar feeding at 200-500 ppm nutrient rates supports the plant and allows it to grow fast and safe without damage.