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JOE KNOWS! Sulfur's Role in Turf & Soil Health

December 20, 2017

JOE KNOWS! Sulfur's Role in Turf & Soil Health

December 20, 2017
WHY SULFUR'S PRESENCE IN SOIL IS CRUCIAL TO A SUSTAINABLE TURF
Often thought of as the 4th “primary” or “macronutrient,” sulfur plays an essential role in maintaining healthy turf. Two of the twenty amino acids made by plants (methionine and cysteine) contain sulfur, as do countless proteins that catalyze reactions inside plant cells. Sulfur is also a component of many vitamins that helps the plant defend itself against various abiotic stresses. Without sulfur, plant life (and all life), would not be possible. 

SULFUR’S ROLE IN SOIL
Sulfur serves as an important soil conditioner. Normally mobile in saturated soils, sulfur helps to reduce sodium uptake in plants. Much like the nitrogen cycle, sulfur follows a similar pathway. Sulfur is only available for plant uptake in its inorganic form, SO4-2 (sulfate sulfur). Accordingly, much as nitrogen fertilizers are subject to volatilization, sulfur can also volatize in the form of H2S (hydrogen sulfide.) Ammonium sulfate [(NH4)2SO4 - the most economically practical sulfur-based fertilizer] is also a great compound for reducing the pH of alkaline soils. Although it is commonly accepted that sulfur lowers soil pH, it’s actually the ammonium component that forms a mild acid after disassociating from a sulfate ion. In the case of adding ammonium sulfate to alkaline soils, the sulfur just comes along for the ride. 

SULFUR DEFICIENCIES IN TURF – WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Unfortunately, nitrogen and sulfur deficiency symptoms often mimic each other, so it can be difficult to discern the two. In general, turf suffering from a sulfur deficiency exhibits light-green/yellowing blades.  Lack of sulfur may also result in decreased turf growth rate. Sandy soils tend to suffer from low-sulfur content more so than organic rich soils due to sulfur’s relatively high leaching potential. Because sulfur is immobile in plant tissues, once it becomes depleted in the soil, newly developing leaves are the first to show deficiency symptoms.

 Of all the different forms of sulfur fertilizers and soil amendments available on the market, ammonium sulfate is by far the most popular. In addition to providing turf with a strong nitrogen component and helping to mitigate pH shifts, ammonium sulfate is used an adjuvant to increase the efficacy of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.
WHEN AND HOW TO APPLY SULFUR
While elemental sulfur (88% pure) is occasionally used to decrease soil pH, most applicators prefer ammonium sulfate. If using ammonium sulfate or any other sulfur-based fertilizer or soil amendment, perform a soil pH test first, then follow the application instructions on the label. Applying too much ammonium sulfate can burn your lawn. Once applied, wait at least 60 days before performing another soil test to determine if more ammonium sulfate should be added. Ammonium sulfate is most effective and safest on turf when applied in the spring, then summer if conditions warrant an additional application. Avoid fall applications due to increased risk of disease and dead patches. Ammonium sulfate is non-flammable and does not clump under high-humidity, making it easy to store and use across multiple seasons.

For professional fertilizers, humic and AMP-XC™ enriched products available, please visit TurfCare’s online Product Catalog.
 
For green industry professionals or others interested in ordering Turfcare products, please contact our Customer Service to find a distributor near you.

Turf Care Supply - TurfReport Blog

Turf Care and Beaty Fertilizer Unite for Growth, Innovation, and Increased Value to Customers

April 18, 2025
Turf Care Supply, LLC, a portfolio company of Platte River Equity, has officially acquired Beaty Fertilizer, the industry respected Tennessee-based manufacturer and blender of custom granular and liquid fertilizers, as well as combination products. This strategic move expands Turf Care’s manufacturing footprint, adds new product capabilities, and enhances overall production capacity. “The partnership with Beaty Fertilizer marks a major milestone in our journey and an important step forward in our mission to grow, innovate and lead in our industry,” said Mark Mangan, President of Turf Care. “This acquisition is more than just expansion; it’s a powerful opportunity to strengthen our product offerings, broaden our market reach and provide greater value to our customers. By welcoming Beaty into the Turf Care family, we are reinforcing our commitment to excellence and positioning ourselves for an even brighter future.” “We are excited about this next step in the Beaty Fertilizer story. For almost 50 years, our family and our employees have worked hard to serve customers and communities with pride and heart,” said John Beaty, President of Beaty. “Now, we are embracing an opportunity for growth with Turf Care. With our combined know-how and resources, we’ll keep building on what we’ve worked so hard to create and bring even more value to our customers, employees and partners. We truly believe this partnership will keep the Beaty legacy going strong while opening up new doors for growth and innovation.” Tarun Kanthety, Vice President at Platte River, added, “We believe the acquisition of Beaty Fertilizer represents a strategic step in expanding Turf Care’s footprint and product breadth... as it scales and enhances its value proposition to customers.”

Grub Management: Understanding Life Cycles and Optimal Treatment Timing

April 18, 2025
Root out Grubs, Before they Attack Yours! White grubs, the immature stage of several scarab beetles—including Japanese beetles, masked chafers, May and June beetles, and green June beetles—are a major threat to turfgrass across the Southeast. These beetles follow a complete metamorphosis (egg, grub, pupa, adult), with most species completing their cycle in one year. Eggs are laid in early summer, grubs hatch within two weeks, and begin feeding on turfgrass roots through the late summer and fall. May and June beetles differ slightly, with a two- to three-year life cycle and prolonged feeding as third-instar grubs. Grubs damage turf by severing roots, causing grass to yellow, wilt, or lift easily from the soil. Feeding is typically concentrated in patches and worsens during hot, dry weather. Wildlife digging for grubs can create further turf destruction. Healthy turf may tolerate 5–10 grubs per square foot, but damage becomes evident as populations rise or turf is under stress. Early detection and timing are essential. Scouting begins in late June, shortly after adult beetle activity peaks. Monitoring plants favored by beetles can signal egg-laying is underway. Treatment is most effective when small grubs are active—typically from mid-July through early August. For professional turfgrass managers, insecticides containing imidacloprid (Merit®), chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn®), or trichlorfon (Dylox®) are the most effective tools. The primary months of preventative application of Acelepryn® is from April to end of May and Merit® from April into July - targeting grubs before they hatch. Curative treatments with Dylox® or similar products are applied July through the fall, when young grubs are feeding and most vulnerable. Always follow label directions for optimal application and safety. Timing may vary slightly by regional seasonal needs. Turf Care Supply has a variety of professional TCS Growstar insecticide fertilizers available to protect your turf and prevent grub damage, before it starts. Click on the button below to view products, contact your sales rep for addition TC Growstar products available.

Platte River Equity - Press Release: Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc.

October 9, 2024
Platte River Equity Portfolio Company Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc. Brunswick, OH , October 9, 2024 – Platte River Equity (“Platte River”) portfolio company Turf Care Supply, LLC (“Turf Care”) is pleased to announce its acquisition of Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (“Agri-Nutrients”), a manufacturer and blender of custom granular fertilizers for the turf & ornamental (“T&O”) industry. This strategic acquisition provides Turf Care with an established presence in the south-central United States, an enhanced product portfolio and additional manufacturing capacity. “This acquisition represents much more than a business transaction; it is a strategic step forward in expanding our reach and enhancing our customers’ growth. By bringing Agri-Nutrients into the Turf Care family, we are broadening our product portfolio, expanding our market presence and further positioning ourselves as a leader in providing innovative solutions for our customers,” said Mark Mangan, President of Turf Care. “We are excited about joining the Turf Care team,” said Jim Montgomery, President of Agri-Nutrients. “At Agri-Nutrients, our core values center around customer service and product innovation, and we are confident that this combination will allow us to better serve the needs of our customers.” “Platte River welcomes the Agri-Nutrients team to Turf Care. This transaction underscores our long-term commitment to fostering growth through both organic and inorganic initiatives across the Turf Care platform,” said Tarun Kanthety, Vice President of Platte River. “The partnership with Agri-Nutrients strengthens Turf Care’s value-added offering, creating additional growth opportunities across the combined customer base.” B&A Corporate Advisors served as the exclusive financial advisor to Agri-Nutrients. About Agri-Nutrients Founded in 1992 and based in Catoosa, OK, Agri-Nutrients is a manufacturer and blender of custom granular fertilizers for the T&O industry, predominantly selling into the lawn care, sports turf and golf course end markets. About Turf Care Supply Established in 1974, Turf Care Supply is one of the largest formulators and blenders of urea products to the T&O market. Turf Care has a comprehensive product portfolio of fertilizers, combination products (herbicide/insecticide), soil amendments and enhanced efficiency fertilizer ingredients. Turf Care's products are sold to distributors and blenders serving the commercial, residential and golf end markets. Turf Care operates four manufacturing facilities strategically located throughout the eastern U.S. About Platte River Equity Founded in 2006 and based in Denver, CO, Platte River Equity is a private equity firm focused on investments in established lower middle market operating companies within targeted industrial sectors where it has substantial operating and investing experience. Platte River utilizes prudent capital structures in order to invest in future growth opportunities and withstand changing economic environments. The firm also provides significant ongoing support to its portfolio companies through dedicated resources across functional areas. The firm has raised funds with committed capital in excess of $1.6 billion and is currently investing out of its fifth fund. The Platte River team is the largest collective investor across its funds, deeply aligning the firm with its investors and portfolio company management teams.
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