Most lawns could probably do just fine with a single application of 1 lb per 1000 ft2 in June. Slow-release fertilizers will provide nutrients to the turf over a longer period and will reduce the chance of fertilizer burn. Centipedegrass will not decline at a soil pH as high as 6.7 if it is not overfertilized. In addition to not exceeding 2 lbs of nitrogen per 1000 ft2 per year, it is a good idea to have your soil tested regularly and only to apply phosphorous if there is a deficiency. Do include potassium in your fertilizer applications.
Fertilizers containing only nitrogen and potassium are commercially available.
Choose a fertilizer that has about a 1-1 ratio of nitrogen to potassium. If a soil test shows excessive phosphorous, we recommend applying a soluble source of iron available at garden supply stores. It is comprised mainly of dead tissue but also contains living crowns, stems and roots. Thatch is a natural product of healthy turfgrass. As the lawn grows, individual leaves and plants constantly die and are replaced.