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Sod &
Turf Maintenance
Sod
& Turfgrass Soil Testing Information Sod
& Turfgrass Tissue Testing Information
Summary Information
Proper testing is key when
maintaining and building a proper nutritive environment for sod
and or turf maintenance and production. Soil testing is an
important first step in developing a turfgrass or sod fertility
program. For some nutrients, it is the only way to determine how
much fertilizer your sod or turf needs.
 The
test report analysis is only as good as the sample itself. Tests
can range from a basic to adding organic matter to adding trace
minerals. Soil tests should be taken at least every three years,
however if a more frequent approach is warranted take the soil
tests once a year. Remember to be consistent when taking
samples. Proper documentation is encouraged, time of year,
location, separate good areas from bad areas.
Testing sod or turf leaf tissue
allows you to monitor nutrient levels, which can be related to
the need for fertilizer. Leaf tissue testing is also a means of
diagnosing nutrient deficiencies, verifying a diagnosis made
visually usually points to a potential problem that has existed
for sometime. Tissue nutrient levels can be made for both the
macronutrients as well as the micronutrients.
As with soil testing, proper leaf  sampling
is critical. Samples must be representative of the area,
collected accordingly to laboratory instructions, and above all
free from soil and other contaminants.
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Terminology and the Roles
Nutrients Play in Soil
Macronutrients
Nitrogen:
Developing a nitrogen fertility
program is an important decision that can affect the quality and
durability of your turf and or sod. Because of the many uses of
turf, site conditions, level of turf quality, and cost
considerations, no single nitrogen program fits all. There are
many sources of nitrogen to pick from, slow release and quick
release. So it is helpful to know how the product was formulated
and its potential for release.
Phorphorus:
Phosphorus is one of the 3 primary
nutrients needed by turf and sod as a regular fertilizer
addition. Although it is present in small amounts in turf tissue
(0.3 - 0.55) percent on a dry weighted basis, phosphorus is
extremely important for rooting, seedling development, cell
division, and the synthesis of various compounds used by the
plant. The most important factors affecting phosphorus
availability to turf and sod are soil pH and concentrations of
iron, aluminum, manganese, and calcium. Phosphorus is largely
immobile in soils - meaning that it takes a long time to move
from the soil surface to the root zone. Because of its poor
immobility, phosphorus should be incorporated into the soil
prior to seeding or sodding at the amount recommended on your
soil report. Potassium:
Potassium is a primary turf
nutrient and is usually supplied annually as fertilizer. It
makes up about (1.0 - 2.5) percent of the plant's dry matter
weight. Its' primary role involves regulating several important
physiological processes. Potassium activates plant enzymes used
in protein, sugar, and starch synthesis. It also plays a key
role in maintaining turgor pressure in plants. Thus it has a
strong influence on drought tolerance, cold hardiness, and
disease resistance. Potassium is mobile in plants and sometimes
can be taken up in amounts greater than needed for optimum
growth. It is generally considered inefficient use of the
nutrient.
Calcium, Magnesium, % Sulfur:
Calcium, magnesium, and sulfur are
generally considered to be secondary nutrients because in most
cases they only occasionally need to be supplied to turf in the
form of fertilizer. Applications of calcium and magnesium are
usually only necessary when the soil pH is below optimum
standards for growth. Sulfur is sometimes used to lower the soil
pH where a high soil pH can cause turf problems. Sulfur is
usually only necessary in western states where arid conditions
lead to alkaline soils. In the northeastern United States, high
pH values are rarely a problem and there is usually enough
sulfur in soils to supply turf needs.
Micronutrients:
The seven micronutrients required
by turf include iron, manganese, zinc, copper, molybdenum,
boron, and chlorine. Micronutrients are needed by turf in minute
amounts and rarely need be supplied to turf growing in mineral
soils. However, when turf are grown in high-sand-content soils
(golf course putting greens and some trees) or high pH soils,
micronutrient applications can be beneficial.
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