Nutrition guide

Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K).

Lawn fertilisers typically contain these three nutrients, although other nutrients may be included in small amounts. The three numbers on the fertiliser bag represent the percentages of N, P, & K in that order.

The grass plant needs more nitrogen than any other nutrient.

Nitrogen is part of the chlorophyll molecule and helps give the lawn its deep green colour. Nitrogen also tends to promote high leaf growth rates at the expense of root growth.

Phosphorus is responsible for the energy transfer systems in the plant and is generally required in much smaller amounts than nitrogen or potassium on an established lawn. The exception is for newly established lawns, when the need of Phosphorus is higher in the new plant.

Potassium has a lot to do with good cell wall development and the plant's ability to withstand stress, disease, and insect damage.

Controlled Release Nitrogen Fertilisers (CRN)

Oz Tuff Turf recommends the use of controlled release nitrogen CRN fertiliser. These fertilisers produce a lawn with good colour without excessive leaf growth. They are designed to meter-out the Nitrogen over a longer period of time.

Agricultural fertilisers such as Crop King 88 and Nitrophoska Blue, sold by retail stores for use on lawns, do not offer the longevity required to sustain strong turf health and vigour. These products are immediately available for the turf to use resulting in excessive growth followed by periods of stress after nutrients are used up or leached through the profile (usually in a mater of less than two weeks). They also do not contain some of the critical trace elements required for healthy turf growth.

Whilst these slow-release forms of Nitrogen can be more costly to purchase, they do not have to be applied as often, making them the most cost effective option if you want a healthy lawn.

With the CRN products offered by Oz Tuff lasting up to twelve weeks, you will be fertilising less, your turf will be stronger and you won’t be mowing every week! Just ask Oz Tuff Turf to supply you with the appropriate CRN fertiliser when your turf is delivered.

What fertiliser should I use?

The following application ratios have been developed by Oz Tuff Turf. This application regime has been developed using the Nitrogen (N) to Potassium (K) ratio of the CRN fertiliser.

The N to K ratio simply refers to the relative relationship between these two primary nutrients, rather than the specific number of kilograms of each in a fertiliser blend.

Establishment Ratio

Apply an establishment NPK ratio (2:1:1) such as Starter 18.10.9 when:

The turf has just been laid
After renovation work such as scarification.
The turf to be fertilised is in poor condition
The soil analysis highlights a Phosphorous deficiency

Oz Tuff Turf also offers an 18.10.9 Starter fertiliser that is coated with a pre-emergent herbicide called Ronstar + Starter 18.10.9. This product will safely control grass weeds from emerging whilst your turf gets established as well as giving your turf the vital nutrients needed during establishment.

High Nitrogen Ratio

Apply high Nitrogen to Potassium ratio fertiliser (2:1 or higher) such as Maintenance 24.2.9 when:

The turf to be fertilised is in overall good condition
The desired result is consistent and/or accelerated top growth
Applying in spring when no fertiliser was applied in winter

Balanced Ratios

Apply 1:1 Nitrogen to Potassium ratios such as Balance 22.0.18 when:

Turf is in good condition and general maintenance is desired
Stressful periods such as high traffic and wear situations
A reduction in top growth is desired

How much fertiliser should I use?

Fertiliser application rates should be as low as possible and still produce a high quality lawn. Over-fertilisation weakens your lawn and causes excess leaf growth.

As a general rule, if the amount of Nitrogen (N is the first number in the analysis) is between 5 and 12, the application rate should be 3.5kg per 100m2. If the N number is between 12 and 18, the application rate should be 2.5kg per 100m2. Any N number over 19 should be applied at a rate of 2kg per 100m2. This is to prevent burning your turf with the Agricultural style fertilisers available from retail stores.

The CRN fertiliser Oz Tuff Turf offer to their customers, the percentages will vary as the CRN formulations, when used at the recommended rates, will not burn the turf. This means they can be applied prior to an expected rain event and do not have to be watered in immediately.

When should I fertilise?

For warm season grasses, the fertilisation program should start just after spring green-up and stop as winter temperatures commence. Frequency of fertiliser applications depends primarily on the amount and form of nitrogen used. The CRN fertiliser offered by Oz Tuff Turf can adequately feed the lawn for up to twelve weeks.

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