Is this right? 73% of samples from good turf actually require more fertilizer?

fertilizer research soil test
Micah Woods
Last updated on 2021-04-14 1 min read

In the Global Soil Survey (GSS), we looked at the soil nutrient levels in soil that was specially selected as being from areas where the grass is growing well. The first year of GSS data are available here.

If we look at the data for K, P, Ca, Mg, and S in the first year of GSS data, and compare the GSS results from actual good turf conditions to the target level (conventional guideline) of Carrow et al. at which the grass is not expected to show a response to that element, a full 73% of the samples fall below that target. This chart shows all the data, with 4 calcareous samples excluded for Ca only.

The target value is taken from Carrow et al. as the bottom of the high range for that element. At that level, no fertilizer is required according to conventional guidelines. In the Global Soil Survey data, 73% of the samples are less than the target value (100% level on the plot), yet the turf in all of those samples is performing well.
The target value is taken from Carrow et al. as the bottom of the high range for that element. At that level, no fertilizer is required according to conventional guidelines. In the Global Soil Survey data, 73% of the samples are less than the target value (100% level on the plot), yet the turf in all of those samples is performing well.

That’s a lot of good-performing turf that the conventional guidelines predict would respond to even more fertilizer. I think the conventional guidelines are a bit too high.

Related Posts

Next
Previous