When it comes to fertilising turf, both chemical and organic fertilisers have their place. Once you start using chemical fertilisers, it can be hard to go organic and get the chemicals out of your turf. The effects of chemical fertilisers are long lasting and it could be years before you truly get chemical traces out of your turf. While most turf only needs to be fertilised a few times a year, it’s important to do so to keep your grass green and healthy.
It’s a personal option whether to use chemical or organic fertilisers, so we’re here to give you the information from both sides to let you decide.
What Are Chemical Fertilisers?
Chemical fertilisers are those which are synthetic and manufactured. They are made by stripping rocks, petroleum or other minerals and using their nutrients.
The Pros of Chemical Fertilisers
The pros of chemical fertilisers include:
• Effectiveness: Chemical Fertilisers can be effective faster, due to their composition
• Cost: Chemical Fertilisers are usually cheaper than organic fertiliser
• Accurate composition: The ratios of nutrients are precise, meaning you can put into your soil exactly what it needs
The Challenges of Chemical Fertilisers
Some things to consider when using chemical fertilisers include:
• Over-fertilisation: You run the risk of over fertilising, which can be damaging to your soil and increase the chances of erosion
• Soil damage: Chemical fertilisers will feed your grass but don’t do much for your soil. In fact, they may do nothing for your soil at all other than damage it if the fertiliser is used incorrectly.
• Bad for the environment: Many chemical fertilisers are made from fossil fuels or non-renewable sources, making it harmful to the environment.
What Are Organic Fertilisers?
Organic fertilisers include more of the entire binding agent, rather than the exact nutrients. You’re basically getting composted manure that contains the nutrients you need for your turf.
The Pros of Organic Fertilisers
The pros of organic fertiliser include:
• Difficult to over fertilise: Your chances of over fertilising using organic fertiliser are slim, making it safer and easier to use.
• Improve soil: Organic fertilisers can improve your soil structure and help it hold water better, minimising the effects of erosion
• Eco-friendly: As organic fertilisers are basically compost, they’re easy to make and highly sustainable
Organic Fertiliser Considerations
Before using an organic fertiliser, think about the following:
• You can’t use it all year round: Organic fertiliser doesn’t really work for winter as they can only be broken down by microorganisms that thrive in warmth.
• Hard to identify exact nutrients: While you can’t over fertilise, it’s hard to establish the ratios of exact nutrients in the fertiliser, and even then, its effectiveness relies on its ability to break down into your soil
At Glenview Turf, We Help You Make the Choice
At Glenview Turf, we provide the advice to help you make the right choice when it comes to fertilisers and your turf. We offer clean, green turf which is chemical free so you can choose to have organic turf right from the start. We also offer a range of chemical fertilisers to suit your needs. Our knowledge and experience in lawns can’t be matched. If you would like the right advice regarding fertilisers for your lawn, get in touch with us today.