Did you know there are different styles of lawn fertilisers, all of which deliver nutrients to your lawn in different ways. Some will provide a quick and punchy boost, whereas others can slowly deliver nutrients. So, what type of fertiliser should you use on your lawn, and what are the advantages of each type? Let’s find out…
Skip to: What Different Types of Fertilisers Are Available? What Are Slow-Release Fertilisers? Why Should I Use a Controlled-Release Fertiliser? What Are the Benefits of Using a Foliar Fertiliser?
What Different Types of Fertilisers Are Available?
For lawns, there are a few popular options that are available. These are liquid, slow-release, and controlled-release fertilisers.
What Are Slow-Release Fertilisers?
Slow-release fertilisers are one of the most common fertiliser types that are available. This is due to its effectiveness in providing a sustained boost and its ease of use.
Granular slow-release fertilisers supply nutrients to the grass gradually over time rather than all at once. The granules will break down over time due to microbial activity in the soil, moisture levels, and soil conditions. The benefit of the slow release is that it helps promote steady growth and produce better colour and stronger roots.
Slow-release fertilisers will come in granular form, best applied with a fertiliser spreader for even coverage.
If you want to apply a slow-release fertiliser to your lawn, we recommend using Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser. This contains a well-rounded NPK ratio of 16-0.7- 4, plus it will slowly release these nutrients to the lawn over a 12 week period. Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser is ideal for use on all lawn types and is available in both a 4kg and 10kg bucket, which will cover up to 400m2 and 1,000m2 respectively, depending on yout turf type.
Why Should I Use a Controlled-Release Fertiliser?
Controlled-release fertilisers are similar to slow-release fertilisers; however, they are more predictable in their nutrient release to the lawn at a controlled rate. These fertilisers will release nutrients to the grass at a consistent rate, reducing the risk of a growth surge or nutrient loss.
The main advantage is that you can control the exact amount of nutrient output. These are commonly used across sports turf surfaces or highly manicured lawns, where the amount of nutrients given to the lawn is closely monitored.
A popular controlled-release fertiliser is ProPlus 9kg which will cover up to 400m2. This mini-prill formulation allows the granules to work their way down to soil level, making it especially well-suited to short cut, highly manicured surfaces. This has a compound analysis of 17% N, 3% K, 17% S. ProPlus is a natural carbon-based fertiliser that helps minimise nutrient leaching by binding nutrients to carbon already in the soil. As an extended controlled-release product, it will deliver a consistent supply of nutrients for up to 90 days.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Foliar Fertiliser?
Another of the most commonly used fertilisers is foliar fertilisers. Foliar fertilisers will generally come in a liquid concentrate that needs to be diluted with water for application in a knapsack or pressure sprayer, or in a ready-to-use hose-on-bottle.
One of the main advantages of using a foliar product is that the grass receives a quick, up-front boost in nutrients. These products will be absorbed by the pores in the grass leaf, known as stomata.
If you want to apply a liquid fertiliser to your lawn, we recommend our Exceed Liquid Fertiliser. Exceed is a premium, professional-grade foliar fertiliser, ideal for all lawn types. It has a carefully balanced NPK ratio of 18-2-10 + Fe & Mn. Exceed Liquid Fertiliser is available in both a 2.5L Concentrate and a 2L Hose-On Bottle.
For more lawn care tips and advice, make sure you check out our other lawn care blogs.
