Slow Release N

bwmaier – posted 15 February 2005 14:28

What is a good brand/type of slow release N to apply to my hybrid bermuda (when it comes out of dormancy, of course)? I live in Paulding Co. GA (west of Atlanta). I’ve been using 16-4-8 Super Soil Life (sold at HD made by Parker…Purcell Technologies?) at a rate of about 8#/1k based on soil test results. What chemicals in the N make it slow release? I cannot remember.

Would anyone recommend applying Iron to the soil (Ironite)? It is mostly clay. I will post the soil analysis results from winter 04 if that will help. Thanks.

ted – posted 15 February 2005 14:51

you can buy alot better quality fertilizers. try Lesco in atlanta or wherever they are in your market. you’re looking for a SCU -sulfur coated urea, or try Scotts products, probably better than what you’re using. Why the Iron? do you have high ph? let’s see the results.

Buck – posted 16 February 2005 08:02

I like a ratio of 5-1-3 for bermuda and the 16-4-8 you are currently using is not that far off 4-1-2. But I’m not aware of a Scott’s product that comes close to ratio you need. I’d follow up on Ted’s suggestion to check in with Lesco; they’ll lay out a complete program of products for you.

bwmaier – posted 17 February 2005 17:07

The results of the soil analysis (hybrid bermuda) from 2/10/04 are (#/acre):

Soil pH 5.9 (7.80 Lime Index)P – 29K – 91Ca – 1025Mg – 192Zn – 2Mn – 14

The recommendations were for 15#/1K for lime. For maintenance apply 8#/1k of 12-4-8 when spring growth begins each month through September. If clippings are removed increase fertilization rate by 30%.

I followed this last year and was pretty satisfied. I did not like the selection of Scott’s and its analysis. I have a Lesco about 10 minutes from the house.

Any comments/suggestions?