Essential Nutrit ...

By Simon Whiley

All lawns require the correct nutrient levels to remain healthy and vigorous. When you maintain the correct nutrient input the chances are that you will have a lawn that is weed free, disease resistant and drought resistant.

There are three key nutrients required for a healthy lawn. These nutrients are Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P) and Potash (K). Any lawn that is deficient in any these three nutrients will not be healthy and will suffer. We will look at the role of each of these three key nutrients in turn.

Nitrogen - Nitrogen is responsible for healthy vigorous growth during the summer months and it gives the grass its deep green colour. Nitrogen is the most important of the three nutrients and should be applied in greater quantities than phosphate and potash. The reason being it is that it is used up by the plant quicker, it is also more prone to leaching through the root zone. Nitrogen is applied during the spring and summer to encourage and maintain grass growth and keep the lawn in a healthy condition. When your lawn is growing vigorously the grass can suppress any weeds and moss that would invade a weaker lawn. Nitrogen should not be applied heavily during the late summer and early autumn as it can encourage disease, especially fusarium patch which can be very damaging.

Phosphate - Phosphate is important for a deep and healthy root system, resulting in a more drought resistant lawn during periods of drought. Adequate phosphate levels mean an earlier start in the spring time and a healthier lawn during the growing season. Phosphate is more readily available in the root zone than nitrogen, but it would still beneficial to apply some phosphate annually.

Potash - Potash hardens the plant and helps with disease and drought resistance and can be applied at any time of the year.

For more information on all aspects of lawn care you can find us at http://www.lawn-craft.co.uk

Article Source: Ezinearticles.com