Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1959-04-10
by w. II. YOUNGNIAN
star Garden Editor


The quality OF q lawn is
measured in q number Of ways.
according to DR.. Fred v. Grau.
Chief Agronomist, Nitro-Form
Agricultural Chemical Coz in
q talk he gave before the Vir-
ginia Nurserymen's Associa-
ton. He mentioned a good
green color throughout the sea-
son, freedom from weeds and
the cushiony feeling received
when walking across the grass.
Undoubtedly there are other
measures Of quality.
All of these measures are
determined to O considerable
extent by the extent and kind
of feeding given. Grass cannot
maintain a good green color
unless 1t is supplied with an
adequate amount Of nitrogen.
Similarly. grass cannot compete
With the weeds when in a
Starved condition. 1t takes
vigorous growth to produce a
mat Of grass thick enough to
feel cushiony when walked
upon. And. we might add that
Merton bluegrass must be well
fed or 1t will be affected by
the disease known as rust"
New Theory on Lining
Then, too, we have a change
ID theory among the grass spe-
cialists. Formerly they consid-
eted lime was only needed to
supply the plants with the cal
csum needed for good structure.
Today, lining is considered es-
sSntial to maintain the soil
pH at SIS so that the grass
plants can make the best use
OF the fertilizers applied.
THE amount of lime needed
can only be determined by
analyzing a sample of the soil.
This can be done with one
of the kits sold for this pur-
pose. or Maryland residents
can send a sample to the Soil
Laboratory at College Park.
District of Columbia residents
can have samples tested there
but must pay a nominal charge
for the service. Virginia resi-
dents may send their samples
to- Blacksburg or have them
tested at a commercial labora-
tory.
Ground or PuIverized
The test will show the degree
of soil acidity and the labora-
tory will probably indicate the
quantity of lime to be applied.
Since most of our soils are acid,
too acid for grass according to
these turf specialists, the ques-
ton is how much lime. Nor
mally only enough lime is ap-
piled in any one season to
change the PHI reading one
unit. Ground or pulverized lime
is recommended even though it
is slow acting. The hydrated
agricultural lime is very active
and will burn green foliage.
Also it speeds UP the decompo-
sition of any humus in the soil
and that is Objectionable.
Phosphate, Potash
The second step is to add the
normal amount of phosphate
and potash. This will vary
somewhat with the area, and
can be best gagged by the re-
port of the soil test. There are
fertilizers that contain only
these two elements, but for the
first application in the spring
we might better use one with
nitrogen as well as the phos-
phate and potash. Normally,
IS to As pounds is applied per
1000 square feet of area. How
ever, this type Of fertilizer is
likely to contain highly active
forms of nitrogen and it should
be washed off Of the foliage i'm
mediately after applying. There
are a number of fertilizers on
the market today that contain
the slow acting, nonburning
types of nitrogen which elm
mate the need for hosing down
the lawn after applying a fer
tilizer.
The second feeding Of the
lawn should be made in early
June and two pounds of urea
are recommended by the Vir-
ginia people. This may be
scattered broadcast, with a
fertilizer spreader, or it may
be dissolved in water and
Sprinkled on the lawn. Another