Sunshine, soil and water are essential for grass to grow. But one nutrient really makes a difference: nitrogen.
Nitrogen helps grass produce the green pigment chlorophyll, amplifying photosynthetic capabilities and fueling rapid growth. Without enough of this vital nutrient, a lush lawn is an elusive dream.
Organic methods such as composting can provide sufficient levels of nitrogen but more often than not, turfgrass owners need to look for synthetic sources such as fertilizer or irrigation water.
The main distinction between organic and inorganic forms of nitrogen is that the organic version affects soil health more slowly over time because certain microbes must first break down those compounds before the plants can use them. Inorganic sources don’t require any such conversion process.
Before fertilizing your lawn with either method, conduct a soil test to determine what combination of ingredients will best nurture your specific soil type and environmental factors like climate and sunlight availability. Striking that balance enables successful growing conditions – enabling grass to thrive at its fullest potential.