Kiera Jefferson
Nitrogen is an essential macronutrient for a healthy lawn, but it can also be a pollutant if not used correctly. Nitrogen-based fertilizers are a common and cost-effective way to give your lawn a quick boost, but they can also be a source of nitrate pollution in the environment. This is because nitrogen is highly mobile in the soil and can leach into waterways, causing pollution. This is a particular concern in areas with high irrigation, where nitrate dissolved in irrigation water can result in irrigation return flows that contribute to surface and groundwater pollution. To prevent nitrate pollution from your lawn fertilizer, it is important to select the right nitrogen source, apply it at an adequate rate, and choose the right time to apply it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen source | Choose a fertilizer with slow-release nitrogen, also known as controlled-release or water-insoluble nitrogen. |
| Nitrogen rate | The amount of nitrogen required depends on the length of the growing season, local climate, and soil type. |
| Application timing | Apply fertilizer when the grass is actively growing (spring and fall) and avoid application during drought periods, winter, or before heavy rainfall to reduce nitrate leaching. |
| Lawn maintenance | Mow your lawn to a height of 3 inches or more, and leave grass clippings to return nutrients to the soil and improve soil health. |
| Cleanup | Avoid spreading fertilizer on hard surfaces and clean up any spills by collecting and spreading it back on the lawn. |
| Water management | Ensure proper watering after applying fertilizer to prevent fertilizer burn and stress on the turf. |
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What You'll Learn
Check the ingredients of your fertilizer
Nitrogen (N) is a common pollutant in surface and groundwater, and it usually enters water bodies through fertilizer use and manure. Nitrogen in water-soluble fertilizers can exist in three forms: nitrate, ammoniacal nitrogen, and urea.
When checking the ingredients of your fertilizer, look for the guaranteed analysis on the label to determine the form of nitrogen present. The first and usually the largest number on the label represents nitrogen, but it only refers to the percentage of total nitrogen in the fertilizer and not its form.
Nitrate is the most mobile form of nitrogen, easily dissolving in water and moving with it. This makes it the most common form of nitrogen in greenhouse fertilizers, especially in dark-weather feeds. Fertilizers with a high percentage of nitrate-nitrogen are labeled as having potential basicity.
Ammonium, labeled as "ammoniacal nitrogen" on fertilizer labels, is a readily available and water-soluble form of nitrogen. It attaches to organic matter particles, which helps prevent leaching. Fertilizers with a moderate to high percentage of ammoniacal nitrogen are labeled as having potential acidity because they decrease the substrate pH.
Urea is another form of nitrogen commonly found in water-soluble fertilizers. Urea-based fertilizers are typically more affordable than other forms of nitrogen. Urea dissolves in water and moves with it, similar to nitrates. Before plants can utilize nitrogen in urea, it must first convert to ammonia and then to the ammonium form.
By checking the ingredients and understanding the different forms of nitrogen in your fertilizer, you can make informed decisions about your lawn care and minimize the risk of nitrate pollution.
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Understand nitrate pollution
Nitrogen is a key macronutrient for your lawn, but it can also be a source of nitrate pollution. Nitrate pollution can occur when excess nitrogen is lost to the environment and leaches into the soil, causing groundwater pollution. This can happen when too much fertiliser is applied, or if there is not enough water for the plants to absorb the nitrogen.
To prevent nitrate pollution, it is important to select the right type of fertiliser and apply it at the correct rate and time. Slow-release fertilisers are recommended as they release nitrogen over a long period, allowing plants to absorb what they need when they need it. It is also important to avoid applying fertiliser before heavy rainfall or runoff, as this can cause the fertiliser to leach out of the soil and into waterways.
When applying fertiliser, it is important to avoid spreading it on hard surfaces like driveways and pavements, as this can increase the risk of runoff. Any accidental spills should be cleaned up and returned to the lawn. Keeping the grass longer, by mowing it to a height of 3 inches or more, can also help to reduce runoff and improve the absorption of water and nutrients.
In addition to fertiliser management, other practices such as conservation techniques and proper irrigation management can help reduce nitrate pollution. It is also important to be aware of other sources of nitrate pollution, such as manure, feedlots, and septic systems, and to take a comprehensive approach to protecting water sources.
By following these practices and choosing the right fertiliser for your lawn, you can help prevent nitrate pollution and keep your lawn healthy.
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Know when to apply fertilizer
Knowing when to apply fertilizer is key to keeping your lawn healthy and avoiding nitrate pollution. Here are some tips to help you determine the best time to fertilize:
Timing is Everything
The best time to fertilize your lawn is when it is actively growing and needs the most nutrients. For many lawns, this is in the spring and fall seasons. In spring, new growth is stimulated as plants come out of dormancy. An annual application of fertilizer during this time will help promote strong root systems and healthy foliage. Late spring feeding, between April and June, is also important to keep your lawn well-nourished.
Seasonal Considerations
In addition to spring, there are other key times for fertilization throughout the year. Summer feeding, between June and August, will help protect and strengthen your lawn during the hot and dry months. Fall fertilization, between August and November, will strengthen roots and increase nitrogen storage to prepare your lawn for winter. Avoid fertilizing during winter when the lawn is dormant, as this can lead to increased tender growth that may be damaged by cold weather.
Lawn Care Plans
Consider signing up for a lawn care plan that provides customized recommendations based on your grass type and yard size. These plans can guide you on the specific fertilizers to use and the ideal times to apply them.
Nitrogen Management
Nitrogen is a crucial nutrient for lawn health, but it requires careful management to avoid nitrate pollution. Select a fertilizer with slow-release nitrogen, also known as controlled-release or water-insoluble nitrogen. These fertilizers release nitrogen gradually, ensuring that your lawn absorbs what it needs while minimizing environmental losses. Avoid applying nitrogen before heavy rainfall, as this can increase the risk of nitrate runoff and leaching into nearby waterways.
Additional Tips
- Perform a soil test to determine if your lawn is nitrogen deficient and understand its specific needs.
- Mow your lawn regularly, leaving grass clippings to return nutrients to the soil and promote a healthy root system.
- Avoid spreading fertilizer on hard surfaces like driveways and pavements to prevent accidental runoff.
- Consult the application instructions on the fertilizer package or seek advice from local gardening experts.
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Choose the right fertilizer
Nitrogen is a key macronutrient for your lawn, but choosing the wrong fertilizer can lead to nitrate pollution of ground and surface waters. To prevent this, it's important to choose the right fertilizer and apply it at the right time and rate.
Firstly, perform a soil test to understand exactly what your lawn needs. The richest organic sources of nitrogen for your lawn are animal products like manure and blood meal. Fish products, feather meal, and grass clippings are also good sources of nitrogen.
When choosing a fertilizer, opt for one containing slow-release nitrogen, also referred to as controlled-release or water-insoluble nitrogen. These fertilizers will release nitrogen over a long period (a few weeks to several months), which will more or less follow nitrogen uptake by the turf. Natural fertilizers also deliver nitrogen over a longer period. Avoid using urea fertilizer, which is soluble and mobile in surface water flows.
Inorganic fertilizers like ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, and ammonium sulfate are budget-friendly and will give your grass rapid, visible results. However, they can burn your grass if too much is applied or if there's not enough water, so be careful when using these.
When applying fertilizer, avoid spreading it on hard surfaces like driveways and pavement. Never apply fertilizer when a big rainstorm is predicted, as it can leach out of the soil and get into waterways, causing pollution. Instead, apply fertilizer when the grass is actively growing (spring and fall) because this is when the plant needs the most nitrogen.
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Avoid fertilizing before heavy rainfall
Nitrogen is very mobile in the soil, and there is a risk that nitrogen can be leached, thus negatively affecting groundwater quality. Fertilizer applications should be avoided before heavy rainfalls to reduce losses through runoff and leaching. This is because the fertilizer can leach out of the soil and get into waterways, causing pollution. Therefore, it is important to check the weather forecast before applying fertilizer.
To avoid fertilizing before heavy rainfall, it is important to understand the growing season of your lawn and the nitrogen requirements of your turfgrass. The amount of nitrogen required to maintain a healthy lawn will vary according to the length of the growing season, which is dependent on the local climate and soil type. Consult local extension specialists in turfgrass science to determine the nitrogen requirements for your lawn.
Once you know the nitrogen requirements, you can split the required amount of nitrogen into several applications over the growing season. Similar to using a slow-release fertilizer, this will ensure a small and consistent supply of nitrogen for the turfgrass to use. Fertilizer applications should be made when the grass is actively growing (spring and fall) as this is when the plant needs the most nitrogen. Conversely, fertilizer applications should be avoided when turf is dormant (drought periods, winter, etc.) because nitrogen uptake is slow during these periods.
In addition to application timing, there are other practices that can help reduce nitrate leaching when fertilizing lawns. One important practice is to select the right nitrogen source. Choose a fertilizer containing slow-release nitrogen, also referred to as controlled-release or water-insoluble nitrogen. These fertilizers will release nitrogen over a long period (a few weeks to several months) that will more or less follow nitrogen uptake by the turf.
Another practice to reduce nitrate leaching is to keep the grass longer by mowing it to a height of 3 inches (8 cm). This reduces runoff and results in a more developed root system, which is more efficient in absorbing water and nutrients. When applying fertilizer, avoid spreading it on hard surfaces like driveways and pavement. Clean up any accidental spills by collecting the fertilizer with a broom and spreading it back on the lawn.
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Frequently asked questions
Nitrate fertilisers are commonly used on farms and ranches and contain nitrogen, a key macronutrient for lawns and crops.
Nitrogen is very mobile in the soil, and if too much fertiliser is applied, or if there is not enough water, it can leach into waterways, causing pollution.
If your fertiliser contains large quantities of nitrogen, there is a risk of nitrate pollution. Check the ingredients and select a slow-release fertiliser to reduce the risk.
Grass clippings, animal products, biosolids, inorganic sources, and urea can all be used as sources of nitrogen for your lawn.
Never apply fertiliser when a rainstorm is predicted. Avoid spreading fertiliser on hard surfaces like driveways and pavements, and clean up any accidental spills.
