Fertilization programs are sometimes taken for granted by superintendents and other turf management professionals. Programs that have been in place and seem to work, or at least don’t cause problems, may continue year after year. This critical primary cultural practice, which can seem to happen almost automatically, may take a back seat to more time-urgent issues such as disease management or labor challenges. But is this the most effective and efficient way to utilize your limited resources, especially considering the wide-reaching impacts that plant nutrition can have on the overall health and playability of your course? It may pay off to step back and evaluate all of the factors that impact your fertilization program, and the impacts of your program on your golf course. With a fresh look, you may identify practices that bring greater value to your golf course and its members and/or players.
