Why Nutriculture Spoon feeding
fertilizer works best on turf
A total fertilizer program, applied regularly, is essential to keep turf healthy and growing from season start to season end, and from year to year. It alleviates the stress placed on turf by heavy traffic, tournament play, severe weather conditions, insect attacks and disease. Test result after test result has shown that turf fed regularly heals itself quicker, responds to constant play better and survives hot, dry spells and severe winter cold with less damage than untreated or improperly treated turf.
The best turf care programs start with a soil analysis. A soil analysis tells you exactly which nutrients and fungicides/herbicides your turf will benefit from most. It can help prescribe the amounts of nutrients applied and the intervals necessary between applications. Soil deficiencies are easily spotted and corrected with the help of a good soil analysis. Many experts agree that applying a fertilizer program without first running a soil test significantly decreases the effectiveness of the fertilizer program. This can lead to considerable waste of time, fertilizer and money, and make the job of grounds maintenance twice as hard. The first step, then, of any complete fertilizer program is a soil analysis. Then and only then can you determine accurately which type and formulation of fertilizer will produce the best results for you.
Regular use of Spoon-feeding® Nutriculture® helps turf stand up to stress and promotes total nutrient utilization with even, predictable turf growth. With spoon-feeding, nitrogen is applied in small amounts, usually 1/8 to l/4 lb. N per 1,000 sq. ft. every seven to ten days. This way, nitrogen is replaced at the rate of removal of clippings. An initial granular application is encouraged in early spring, followed by the Nutriculture spoon-feeding program throughout the playing season.
Since Nutriculture is 100 percent water-soluble, it can be applied by spraying and is compatible with most fungicides and pesticides thus allowing one easy application. In addition, labor time is reduced as is vehicle traffic on playing surfaces.
Spoon-feeding encourages strong, healthy root and blade development without flushing and deters both fungus and insect invasion...all while maintaining a smooth playing surface on greens and tees. Turf will stand up better to stress and recover quicker from foot traffic, weather and tournament play as well.
Nutriculture is applied in water and since all fertilizers require water before their nutrients become available to the turf, the two-step process of dry application and then watering-in are combined. Fertilizer "burn" occurs when there is insufficient water applied. This holds true for both dry and liquid fertilizers.
Nutriculture does not depend on the action of microorganisms. Immobilization, leaching, volatilization and denitrification are virtually eliminated. Many fertilizers, however are influenced by the soil bacteria micro-flora and other microorganisms that exist there. Immobilization, leaching, volatilization and denitrification can cause loss of nitrogen, reducing the efficiency of a dry fertilizer to less than 50 percent of a fertilizer applied as a liquid.
What's more, Nutriculture is formulated to assure safe, effective simultaneous release of all nutrients in the proper amounts, for a predictable turf performance and the elimination of a super abundance of one nutrient to the exclusion of others. Turf gets the exact balanced ratio of nutrients it needs, exactly when it needs it. No nutrients are tied up in the soil.
Although the very nature of dry fertilizer limits its effectiveness in certain situations—most obviously the hot, dry summer months—the ideal turf nutrition program results from an intelligent mix of dry and water-soluble, one complementing the other.
Methods of application and their costs are a major factor in choosing the type of fertilizer program to be used. As courses become more and more automated, soluble fertilizers will play a bigger part because they are less labor intensive and can be combined with other chemicals to provide more efficient use of equipment.
Nutriculture is environmentally friendly. Tests show that 90 percent of the nutrients supplied by Nutriculture when it is spoon fed without runoff, are absorbed through roots and foliage almost immediately. . . and safely, even after the maximum recommended application.
Many fertilizers that are applied dry are influenced by unpredictable weather conditions which may cause leaching and runoff. As long as these materials lay on the surface they will be subject to this type of loss.
Spoon-Feeding Nutriculture is by far the most environmentally safe method of fertilizer application because it is precise and controlled by the applicator. By applying smaller amounts of the turf's nutritional requirements but in more frequent applications, the turf has a chance to utilize what has been applied, instead of allowing it to wash away into the environment.
No Streaking
Because you apply it as a liquid, you control exactly where Nutriculture goes. There's no uneven growth or streaking effect on greens. All your turf grows at a uniform speed, for a better appearance and easier maintenance.
Total compatibility with other applied chemicals
Nutriculture is 100 percent pure and soluble. It dissolves instantly in water and is compatible with most fungicide and herbicide sprays. It adapts to your established spray program and can be applied at the same time as other chemicals. Because it's pure and soluble, Nutriculture will not harm application equipment or clog nozzles. All this adds up to considerable labor time and cost savings over the course of one year - enough, in some cases, to pay for itself.
Ease of application
Nutriculture is ideal for application by underground sprinkler systems, injectors, pumps, power sprayers, proportioners, irrigation systems and most other application equipment commonly used by superintendents today. It adapts to any established turf care program.
Adaptable to foliar feeding
All Nutriculture formulations can be base-fed or foliar-fed to your turf, with maximum effectiveness. Our specially chelated micronutrients are quickly, safely absorbed through both the roots and the foliage.
Low salt index
All formulations of Nutriculture contain no excess salt or chlorine to damage roots or foliage. Most formulas achieve 60% to 70% total nutrient value, which puts the ratio of salts that are there very low.
Improved resistance to disease
Even the best maintained turf is subject to attacks from insects and disease. However, Nutriculture-fed turf shows higher levels of disease-resistance and heals faster should disease or insect attack occur.
General Dilution Rates For All Turf Formulas
Standard spray application practices should be observed avoiding peak sunlight hours and the heat of the afternoon. Early morning or late afternoon applications are best. Avoid strong applications during periods of plant stress (disease, drought, etc.).
Nutriculture products dissolve completely in water. Hot water will require less agitation to get it into solution. It is generally suggested that the fertilizer be pre-mixed in a bucket of hot water (putting 10 to 15 pounds in a 5 gallon bucket and adding hot water) then added to applicator tank or proportioner concentrate tank and brought up to the desired dilution.
Nutriculture is applied to turf in pounds per thousand square feet. The amount of water used is relatively unimportant except that it is the vehicle by which the fertilizer is applied. It dissolves and releases the nutrients, making them available to the plant and protecting the plants from excessive salt concentration which causes burning. The amount of water required to accomplish this is approximately three to five gallons per pound of fertilizer, depending on the fertilizer composition and the sensitivity of the plants it is applied to. This is the required safety margin. Any additional quantity of water is moisture for the plants and soil, and an aid in getting even coverage of the fertilizer over a given square footage of area. Excessive amounts of water can saturate the soil and cause runoff and leaching of fertilizers and other chemicals.
Nutriculture® water soluble Spoon-feeding® fertilizers for turf
The PLUS in each of these formulas indicates that it contains a minor element complex of boron, copper, Iron, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, and sulphur. Many formulas also contain magnesium and calcium. For more specific information on any formula please Contact Us.
Bent Special 28-8-18 PLUS Specially formulated to replace nutrients removed from soil by bent grasses. Ideal for use on greens. Helps turf stand up to heavy traffic and close-mowing, allows rapid thatch decomposition and promotes deep-penetrating root development.
Flowering Plant Special 12-31-14 PLUS Highly recommended as a starter solution for new turf, or any turf in soils where phosphorus levels are low. Ideal for flower planting in and around the clubhouse.
Lawn Marvel® 28-18-8 PLUS A superior all-purpose feed for fairways and lawns. Excellent on steep slopes where rain causes considerable runoff of dry fertilizer.
Bermuda Special® 25-5-20 PLUS Specially formulated to replace nutrients removed from soil by Bermuda grasses. Ideal for greens and fairways. Stands up to heavy traffic, close mowing, permits rapid thatch decomposition and promotes deep-penetrating root development.
Super Start® 12-45-10 PLUS This high phosphate ratio is formulated as a starter solution which will aid newly seeded turf in germinating and rooting faster. It helps overcome transplanting shock in newly sodded areas and on container grown ornamentals. It is an excellent feed for forcing blooms on flowering ornamentals.
Hi-Cal Special 15-0-15PLUS With 10.5 percent calcium. Excellent for turf grown under intensive cultivation, or for turf where maintenance of good root structure has been a problem, or excessive susceptibility to fungus disease and tip burn making greens unsightly.
Potash Special 10-20-30 PLUS An excellent late season fertilizer to hardy-up turf before winter stress sets in. Alleviates brown patch disease, dollar spot and "melting out." Restores balance to potash-deficient turf, for improved disease-resistance and better fibrous strength. Stands up to heavy traffic, stress, and hot, dry weather.
Hi-K Special 13-0-44 PLUS High in potash, this is an excellent late season fertilizer. Treats turf that is mushy or lacks root structure due to potash deficiency or excessive use of nitrogen without P and K. Increases hardiness in turf, greens, trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, making them more resistant to snow and ice.
No-Phosphate Special 25-0-25 PLUS Balances soils having excess phosphate. Promotes rapid top growth and extensive root development. Ideal for promoting lush, sturdy growth in tuberous plants and turf grasses.
Tree & Shrub Special 25-15-10 PLUS Produces excellent color, vigorous roots and rapid development of all nursery-grown evergreens. Also ideal for shrubs and trees at all stages of development. Helps you keep your course trees and shrubs in optimum condition.
Hi Sulphur Turf Special
23-8-16 PLUS and 23-0-23PLUS When applied to alkaline or high pH soils these have an acidifying effect which makes those nutrient's, which were ordinarily tied up, more readily available. It also supplies a complete blend of chelated micronutrients of its own.
Nutrient Supplements
Available in 5 lb. and 25 lb. bags
Mor-GreenTM For use on iron-deficient soils, Mor-Green is a preventive and cure of iron chlorosis in lawns, trees and flowering shrubs. Unlike many irons, Plant Marvel's Mor-Green is 100 percent water-soluble, allowing extremely rapid green-up when applied as a soil treatment or foliar spray.
Elemental Iron (Fe)......... 7%
(10% as FE2O5) Technical (Fe) Ethylenediamine Triacetate
13% Iron Chelate An EDTA iron chelate containing 13 percent iron for correction of iron chlorosis in turf, ornamental plants and trees including; azaleas, roses, rhododendrons, pin oaks and sweetgums, and other plants growing in acid soils.
Iron Expressed as Fe - 13%. Derived from IRON EDTA
Sol-Trace® A non-chelated minor element mix that is highly soluble and designed for prevention or correction of micronutrient deficiencies through foliar application or as a supplement along with NPK fertilizer. Stops yellow leafing, stunting and die back caused by micronutrient deficiency.
Sulphur (S).............. 14.75%
Boron (B)................ 1.45%
Copper (Cu)............ 3.20%
Iron (Fe).................. 7.50%
Manganese (Mn)...... 8.15%
Molybdenum (Mo)... 0.046%
Zinc (Zn).................. 4.50%
Derived from Boric acid, Sodium Molybdate and the sulphate form of Copper, Iron, Manganese, and Zinc.
Mag-IronTM Mag-Iron is a highly effective source of magnesium and iron which are essential for the growth and development of plants.
Iron (Fe).................. 6%
Magnesium (Mg)..... 4.5%
Derived from Iron EDTA and Magnesium Sulphate, with Blue Tracer Dye.
Chemec® Chemec is a completely soluble, high quality, concentrated micronutrient compound in chelated form. It can be applied as a soil drench to overcome micronutrient imbalances in the soil.
Boron (B)................ 0.250%
Copper (Cu)............ 0.625%
Iron (Fe).................. 1.260%
Manganese (Mn)...... 0.640%
Molybdenum (Mo)... 0.010%
Zinc (Zn).................. 0.640%
Derived from Boric Acid, Sodium Molybdate, and the EDTA form of Copper, Iron, Manganese and Zinc