For fertilization, the preferred approach is to determine needs by?

• A. Results of a soil test.
• B. Applying fertilizers based on appearance.
• C. Randomly choosing amounts.
• D. Always using synthetic fertilizer regardless.

Answer: (A)

Using soil test results to determine fertilization needs is best because the test shows the actual nutrient levels and soil pH, revealing what is already adequate and what is deficient. This lets you tailor fertilizer rates and lime adjustments to the specific site, providing what turf truly needs while avoiding waste, damage from over-fertilization, and nutrient runoff. Relying on how the turf looks is unreliable since deficiencies or excesses often don’t produce clear, consistent symptoms, and visual cues can vary with species, stress, and weather. Randomly picking amounts ignores the real soil condition, and always using synthetic fertilizer regardless of soil needs ignores site differences and can be wasteful or harmful. A soil-test–driven plan aligns inputs with actual turf requirements for healthier growth and better environmental stewardship.