Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Micronutrients
As previously mentioned, micronutrients are seldom used in turf-grass
management. Fertilizer companies rarely manufacture them specifically
for turf. If really needed, they can be found at agrochemical supply
outlets.
Methods of Application
Unlike those used on agronomic crops, turf fertilizers must be applied
over the foliage of the already growing plants. Both the correct amount of
fertilizer and uniform coverage are essential. Dry fertilizers can be ap-
plied with either a drop-type (gravity) spreader or a rotary (centrifugal)
spreader (Fig. 5.7). A drop-type spreader is often used on relatively small
areas or close to flower-beds, shrubs, buildings etc. Its major advantage is
its accurate application pattern. Its disadvantages are considerably
slower operation and the requirement that each pass meets exactly with
the previous one; otherwise, skips or overlaps in the application will be
noticeable. The rotary (or centrifugal) spreader has a wider pattern of
distribution and can therefore cover a larger area in a shorter time. In
addition, the density of its application pattern gradually diminishes away
from the machine, reducing the probability of visible skips or overlaps in
fertilizer application. Centrifugal spreaders are more difficult to calibrate,
and the application is less precise, but in most situations, they are usually
Drop type
Centrifugal
Spinning
dispenser
Gate
Fig. 5.7. Drop-type and centrifugal spreaders are most commonly used in turf-grass
management.
