INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
15-3-9 18-1-8 16-16-16
The fertilizer salesperson can explain the differences between polymer-coated urea , methylene urea , stabilized nitrogen , etc ., to help determine which product will be appropriate for the sports field manager . Each different component has different methods of release that are influenced by the environment , primarily moisture and temperature . In addition , the Guaranteed Analysis will show how much of the fertilizer can be expected to be available quickly as well .
Knowing which fertilizer is suitable for the manager ’ s grass type , season and growth requirements , it is time to review the potential costbenefits of the material .
In the example above , the 18-1-8 and 15-3-9 are promoted at being 65 % SRN . The 18-1-8 is suggested to last 12 to 16 weeks , while the 15-3-9 is suggested to last 10 to 12 weeks . Compare this to a fertilizer with 23 % SRN that is suggested to last 9 weeks . Using a hypothetical cost of $ 40.00 per bag for the 18-1-8 , $ 35.00 per bag for the 15-3-9 and $ 25.00 per bag of a 16-16-16 the cost per day respectively is : 18-1-8 - $ 1.79 per day – 112 days 15-3-9 - $ 2.50 per day – 84 days 16-16-16 - $ 2.18 per day – 63 days
The cost per day doesn ’ t fully explain the total cost , as the number of applications ( labor ), delivery ( transportation ) environment ( weather ) and mechanical degradation of the fertilizer all impact the total cost .
“ By combining the synthetic CRF ’ s with the slow-release N , you get the best of both worlds , longer release on the nutrition , as well as soil conditioning for the fields with each application ,” said Russell Riley , European and Middle East Manager for Sustane Natural Fertilizers . “ Also , applying an organic with aeration will help to rebuild fields in poor shape , without having to totally renovate the entire field , saving money in the long run .”
15-3-9 fertilizer in a 1,000-pound tote
“ I always shout out the benefit of organics / humic first before mentioning the CRF on all our natural blend analysis ,” said Henry Ng , Sustane ’ s manager for Asia . “ It helps to optimize microbial population in return helping a more consistent release and utilization of nutrients in CRF , at the same time sustaining or improving soil health .”
The differences in cost can also be offset by the physical makeup of the fertilizers . Is it a homogenous fertilizer particle , two-particle blend , or several particle blend ? Is the fertilizer available only in bags or is it available in 1,000- or 2,000-pound totes ? What is the particle size ?
Reviewing your fertilizing options can , and should , be considered as we move forward to better turfgrass tomorrow .
– Greg Naffz , Sustane Natural Fertilizer , Inc . SFM
Editor ’ s Note : This is the second in a planned series identifying and discussing various trends in the industry . If you would like to share your insight , please contact John Kmitta at jkmitta @ epgmediallc . com . sportsfieldmanagementonline . com November 2021 | SportsField Management
43