What is Sod Fertilizer?
For your sod to grow perfectly it needs to have the right fertilizer. Generally in sod fertilizers it will often contain three major nutrients which are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). There are numbers that are located on the sod fertilizer bags and these usually represent the percentages of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium that are contained. At times other nutrients will be included into the mixture in small quantities.
What is Contained in Sod Fertilizer?
Nitrogen that is contained in the fertilizer will give the sod a lush dark green color. It will also allow for more leaf growth versus root growth. Because of the aforementioned process, there needs to a balance of Potassium and Phosphorus. It should be noted that when looking for fertilizer then you must take heed of the one that has the slow release of nitrogen. This will allow for the lawn to get a good color and have very limited leaf growth.
Phosphorus is needed by newly sodded law for the mere fact that it will need more energy to establish its root system. This is not an issue with established lawns. As a result of this process Phosphorus will be needed in larger amounts than Potassium or Nitrogen because it is needed for energy transfer in the plant.
Potassium is needed so that the plant can survive insect damage and disease. Potassium is known to promoted good cell wall development in the grass plant.
When Can I Apply Fertilizer to The Sod?
The time period that relates to when you can apply fertilizer to your new sod all depends on where you are located. That can determine if you are able to use a higher percentage of potassium (K) and a small amount of nitrogen (N). The Potassium is what is responsible for root growth and it will not burn out the newly laid lawn. If you get some nitrogen (n), especially one that is slow release, it will benefit the lawn as long as it is in a small amount.
When your new sod is planted and fertilizer is applied, it is usually done with a fertilizer that has a lot of potassium. The focus should be on the potassium and not nitrogen, as you would not want the grass to push upwards. The reason for this is that the grass would not have established a root system that would be able to support top growth.
Once the grass has rooted itself into the ground then you can apply a regular fertilizer. This should be done possibly in a month; it is a good idea to check the grass.
Once the lawn has been established then you can resort to applying the fertilizer around five times a year. You should aim to have it done in Early Spring (Feb or Mar), Late Spring (Apr or Jun), Summer (Aug), Early Fall (Sep), Late Fall (Nov)
How Much Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium do I Need?
If you have laid a new sod lawn then the focus should be on using a 16-16-16. This should be the ratio you aim for newly installed sod. Once this has been done, then you can shift to a 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 ratio.
Benefits of Using Fertilizer on Your Sod
There are many benefits associated with the use of fertilizer for your sod. The main advantage in all of this is the ability for you to keep your lawn beautiful and healthy. This can give your home the look that it deserves.
The main benefits associated with the sod fertilizer are:
Speeds up the process for the growth and development of your new lawn
Aids and nurtures the freshly laid sod through its critical first weeks.
Helps the development of the roots more quickly
Provides a carefully balanced mixture of vital nutrients.
Formulated specifically for the growth and development of your sod.
Nitrogen loaded that will allow the sod to green quickly.
High nitrogen content can help to bring back life to faded sod.