Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
sufficiently accurate. Methods of spreader calibration are listed in the
Appendix.
Small areas such as home lawns can be fertilized with hand-operated
spreaders (Fig. 5.8). The previously determined amount of fertilizer
should be placed in the spreader and applied as evenly as possible over
the intended turf area (see measurements and calculations in the Appen-
dix). A jar with holes punched in the lid can be used as a simple fertilizer
applicator on very small areas. Granulated fertilizer is placed in the jar,
which is shaken over the plants so that the fertilizer is scattered through
the holes. The jar can be refilled several times if necessary to spread the
required amount of fertilizer. The holes should be small enough to
prevent overapplication. White pellets on the green turf guide an appli-
cator very efficiently by indicating which spots have received more
fertilizer and which have received less. This basic method of fertilizer
application usually assures more uniform coverage than hand-operated
spreaders.
Liquid fertilizers can be applied to the soil or to the foliage. Com-
mercial lawn-care companies use a soil-drenching technique in which
fertilizers dissolved in water are applied with a hose or with special
applicators. Foliar feeding, mostly with nitrogen or iron, is used when
nutrients must be absorbed directly by the turf-grass leaves. This tech-
nique is often used when turf managers want to mask a burn that
resulted from herbicides or other pesticide applications or when they
wish to improve the colour of the turf before important sporting events.
Sometimes pesticide manufacturers add liquid fertilizers to herbicides or
other pesticide formulation to mask turf injury resulting from pesticide
application.
Fig. 5.8. A hand-operated spreader.
