Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-11-11

grass is nitrogen. This Is what gives
the kick" to grass, makes it grow
rapidly and produces the desirable
dark green color. Nitrogen alone,
however, will not keep grass in good
health. Phosphoric acid is needed
for root growth and to make the
grass sturdy, so that 1t may better
endure severe conditions. There are
many other minor plant foods, but
these are usually present in most
soils. Potash is also an important
ingredient of fertilizers, but heavy
soils commonly contain enough for
good growth of grass. On sandy
soil potash should be included in a
turf fertilizer.
Composition of
Fertilizer.
The quantity of fertilizer to be
applied will depend upon its COM
position. Since nitrogen is the most
important element, fertilizers should
be applied to turf on a nitrogen
basis. That is, one should decide
how much nitrogen should be an
Piled per unit area, say 1000 square
1eet. Then select mixed fertilizer
OF known composition and put on
enough to meet the nitrogen require
ment.
FOR example, complete fertilizer
mixture commonly sold is the 1906
4. IhlS means that it contains 10
per cent OF nitrogen, per cent of
pnosphoric acid, and 4 per cent of
potash. Every hundred pounds of
the mixture, therefore, contains 10
pounds OF nitrogen. Experiments on
turf have shown that on a lawn in
good condition one pound of nitro
gen TO 900 square feet is a reason
able application. If this turf is Door
and run down because of long star
walton, 2 pounds to 1000 square feet
Will give quicker and more lasting
results. The 1864 should, there
lore. be used at the rate of 10
pounds to 1000 feet to provide one
pound Of. NITROGEN, II two. pounds
OF nitrogen should be applied. put
on 20 pounds. The turf will then
get. in the first instance, one pound
OF nitrogen, 8 Of q pound of phos-
phoric acid and a pound of potash.
any reputable brand available To-
cally can be used, always provided
that the quantity supplied will be
enough to put one or two, pounds
OF nitrogen on 1000 square feet of
lawn. A 6-6-5 mixture, which is
often sold will need II pounds to
provide the same amount of nitro
gen as 10 pounds of a 1864.
Zone Pound of
Nitrogen" Rule.
In any case one pound of nitro
gen, no matter how much of the
mixed fertilizer available is used,
should be considered a minimum
application. Fertilizer dealers can
usually furnish what is wanted,
but 1t Is not necessary to have spe-
clal mixture to order. This is al
ways more expensive. In the mix
ture mentioned above potash is also
present. While not necessary for
turf on havy soils it will do no harm
and Is usually needed on sandy soils.
The dealer may be able to supply a
fertilizer without potash, but if not
the complete fertilizer can be used.
The cost of the unwanted element
will. after all, be only a few cents.
The important thing is to use
enough fertilizer. On most soils
pound or two of mixed fertilizer
does no good. This does not mean
that If 10 pounds to 1000 square
feet Is good, so pounds is better.
The heavier application is quite
sure to burn the grass, the lighter
will not. Indeed it is better If 20
pounds are used, put on in two ap-
plications, q week apart so is to
avoid any chances of burn. Do
not worry, however, if there should
be a little burn, the grass will quick
ly recover.
The time to use this fertilizer is
most important. Many people think
OF spring as the time for working
the Lawn, but the best time to ferti-
lie turf is fall. According to lati-
tude, apply the fertilizer in Septem-
Der or October. Where crabgrass
Is thick wait until the first frost has
killed the crabgrass. then rake the
dead grass off and fertilize. 1t will
be a joy to see the bluegrass grow in
late fall.
Where crabgrass is present never
fertilize after about April / in the
Of Washington; you will
surely be spending your money to
feed one of the lawns worst enemies
-crabgrass. Bluegrass makes its
best growth in fall and In the early
spring. Apply fertilizer, therefore,
In fall, in late winter or In March.