What's the P for?

[bigalpha]

I know the N builds the blades and gets them green and the K is to get the roots growing.

So what's the P for?

[jkingrph]

Flowers, not so noticable in grass.

[Kiril]

Flowers, not so noticable in grass.

That is only one thing. The role it plays in photosynthesis is vital, among other things, and is noticeable in grass.

[bigalpha]

I know that high N levels are responsible for blade growth and green-ness and shouldn't be used with new grass, necessarily.

When's the appropriate time to use high levels of K?

[Kiril]

There is no appropriate time for high anything. Soil test to determine how to balance your nutrients.

[bigalpha]

There is no appropriate time for high anything. Soil test to determine how to balance your nutrients.

If you had balanced nutrients, would you not want to bump up the N levels periodically to get greener grass; or does the balanced nutrients part create that perfect grass everyone strives for?

Not trying to be a d-bag, but just curious.

[Kiril]

or does the balanced nutrients part create that perfect grass everyone strives for?

Bingo :clapping:

[bigalpha]

Bingo :clapping:

I suppose if it was easy, everyone would have the perfect yard. Soil tests can be done through the local Extension office, correct?

I know my soil has got to be bad.

[Kiril]

I suppose if it was easy, everyone would have the perfect yard. Soil tests can be done through the local Extension office, correct?

Possibly, or they can point you to a lab where you can send samples.

[bigalpha]

Possibly, or they can point you to a lab where you can send samples.

Well, looks like a good starting point. Hopefully they don't tell my soil is a new age Love Canal :dizzy:

[Kiril]

Well, looks like a good starting point. Hopefully they don't tell my soil is a new age Love Canal :dizzy:

Generally speaking, almost every soil will need more organic matter. While you are waiting for test results, find a good source of compost.

[bigalpha]

Generally speaking, almost every soil will need more organic matter. While you are waiting for test results, find a good source of compost.

When we bought the house, there was a pretty thick layer of old leaves from where the PO never raked. Maybe I'll get lucky and I'll have a decent % of OM.

[Kiril]

When we bought the house, there was a pretty thick layer of old leaves from where the PO never raked. Maybe I'll get lucky and I'll have a decent % of OM.

Perhaps. Before you sample, learn out how to sample correctly and check with the lab what their requirements are for submitting samples.

http://www.soil.ncsu.edu/publications/Soilfacts/AG-439-30/

I would recommend a sampling depth of 6-8" and sample by hydrozone.
If you just want to sample your turf, then just do the turf, don't mix in samples from other areas.

[bigalpha]

Thanks for the link. We deal with contractors who take soil sample sometimes, but it's for a different purpose.

Luckily, my front yard is relatively small and there are no noticeable variations.