When fertilizing, how should you determine fertilizer need?

• A. Through results of a soil test.
• B. By guessing based on lawn color.
• C. By applying the same rate each time.
• D. By following a calendar schedule only.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that fertilizer needs should be based on soil test results. A soil test reveals the actual nutrient levels in the soil and the pH, showing what nutrients are already present, what may be deficient, and how much of each nutrient the turf can actually use. With that information, you get specific fertilizer recommendations tailored to how much, what type, and when to apply, reducing the risk of over-fertilizing or under-fertilizing and helping protect the environment.

Relying on lawn color is not reliable because color can be affected by many factors besides nutrients, such as moisture, mowing height, heat, disease, or drought. Using the same rate each time ignores soil variability across a site and across seasons, which can lead to waste or damage. Following a calendar schedule only can result in applying nutrients when they aren’t actually needed, again wasting product and potentially harming the turf or environment.

So, base fertilization on soil test results, then follow the lab’s recommendations with proper timing and use (such as split applications or slow-release forms) while considering the turf type, climate, and irrigation.