Author Topic: nonphosphorous lawn fertilizer.  (Read 295 times)

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Offline mtbugle

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nonphosphorous lawn fertilizer.
« on: April 15, 2011, 07:24:36 PM »
Washing today signed a law preventing phosphorus in the lawn fertilizers. I see Minn. also went that route about 6 years ago. My question is does any one here have personal experience or know of studies that show how lawns fare without phophorous in there diet?
Sorry if this is not correct spot for this question in advance.
Thanks Don.

Offline Pot-Bellied Stallion

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Re: nonphosphorous lawn fertilizer.
« Reply #1 on: April 16, 2011, 04:56:42 AM »
I'm no plant physiologist, but it seems to me that the grass (or any plant, for that matter) would need a certain amount of phosphorus in the fertilizer to enable them to utilize the much needed calcium.  Just like in animals, phosphorus must be included in the diet to enhance the absorption and utilization of calcium.  If the plant can't absorb calcium, it will choose the next available ion, which would be aluminum. 
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Offline Empty Quiver

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Re: nonphosphorous lawn fertilizer.
« Reply #2 on: April 16, 2011, 05:55:39 AM »
Two answers here.

First, your grass does need phosphorous. It seems to stimulate healthier root growth, among many other things. healthy roots will help the grass overwinter as well as withstand tough summer drought and simple heat stress.

Secondly, unless you are located on top of a sand ridge you likely have more than enough phosphorous to get your lawn through the years. Unlike nitrogen P is pretty tightly bonded to the soil, meaning it won't wash away with rain or irrigation water the way N will. The roots are "working" to get it stripped off of the soil particle, but they are getting it off of there.

Green lawns are striking, very pleasing to the eye. Green ponds, not so much. Do your watershed a service and cut the phosphorous out of your lawn. You will do your lawn a greater service by mowing one notch higher this summer.
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Offline mtbugle

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Re: nonphosphorous lawn fertilizer.
« Reply #3 on: April 16, 2011, 05:46:19 PM »
Thanks all for the replies. I already mulch all cuttings and cut on next to highest cut on mower so don't have to use as much water. Guess I won't lose any sleep on the P issue. Guess if it gets too low just sneek a shot of garden fert. on it if need be.
Thanks Don.

Offline JBlk

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Re: nonphosphorous lawn fertilizer.
« Reply #4 on: April 17, 2011, 05:40:49 AM »
TM is on the right track with his advice.Just because your soil test shows a abundance of a certain mineral doesn't mean that it is in a form that the plant can use.

Offline mtbugle

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Re: nonphosphorous lawn fertilizer.
« Reply #5 on: April 17, 2011, 10:48:37 AM »
so far a few opinions. But is there any science or studies anyone knows of?
Thanks Don.

Offline Swampman

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Re: nonphosphorous lawn fertilizer.
« Reply #6 on: April 17, 2011, 11:25:13 AM »
Another stupid law.  I still buy phosphorous fertilizer when I can find it.  Grass needs it.
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