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THE NECESSITY OF PHOSPHORUS IN SUSTAINING YOUR LAWN'S HEALTH!
Healthy lawns depend on a well-balanced fertilizer program that provides the essential elements it needs like: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K). A healthy lawn is necessary to successfully ward off weeds, insects and disease. Although most fertilizers contain a variety of elements, in this article we are going to focus on just phosphorus (P)! Phosphorus is a macronutrient (just like nitrogen and potassium), and when needed, is required in larger quantities because it is normally bio-unavailable in the soil. Phosphorus, which is found in every living plant cell is vital in seed germination, establishing root growth and plant development. Without phosphorus, grass would appear stunted, especially in early stages of growth. Discover why phosphorus’ role in turf and soil is important to the overall health of a lawn:
WHAT IS PHOSPHORUS?
Phosphorus or “P” is a primary plant nutrient that is involved in the metabolic processes responsible for transferring energy throughout the plant. It is crucial to introduce phosphorus when first establishing turf grass and remains important as the grass continues to grow. The presences of phosphorus in soil helps turf grow lush and thick because it promotes strong root growth. An abundance of phosphorus allows plants to grow more efficiently.
PHOSPHORUS BENEFITS YOUR LAWN BY:
- Enhancing Plant Energy Reactions; phosphorus plays a vital role in the energy transfer of plants. Phosphorus is responsible for the source of energy that drives many chemical reactions within plants: ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and ATP (Adenosine triphosphate), setting the stage for many chemical processes essential to plant health to occur.
- Assisting in the Transfer of Genetic Material from One Generation to the Next; this primary nutrient is a vital component to the building blocks of DNA. The building blocks of genes and chromosomes that are transferred from one generation to the next, essentially provide the “blueprint” for plant growth and development.
- Optimizing the Transfer of Sugars and Starches within Plants; the most important chemical reaction for plants is photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the reaction that utilizes the sunlight’s energy to convert carbon dioxide and water, in the presence of chlorophyll, into simple sugars and future energy sources. The sugars are used as future building blocks for the cell structure and storage components. Energy is then stored in the form of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), rendering it available as an energy source for other reactions in the plant.
HOW TO TELL IF A LAWN HAS A PHOSPHORUS DEFICIENCY
Phosphorus deficiencies can be difficult to identify because they often mimic other nutrient deficiencies or pest invasions. It’s advised to do a soil test to determine deficiencies prior to applying phosphorus. For example, low “P” in soil can take on the signs of nitrogen deficiency in new growth, appearing yellow and weak. An inadequate amounts of phosphorus in the soil can also represent itself as reduced leaf expansion and surface area, in addition to limited numbers of blades. Both shoot and root growth could also look stunted, leading to less root mass to uptake nutrients and water. Phosphorus deficiencies can result as a buildup of carbohydrates through photosynthesis, resulting in foliar deficiency (this can be seen as an abnormal dark green leaf color). Sugars can accumulate as well, causing anthocyanin pigments (a reddish–purple color) to appear.
NOTE: Carbohydrate buildup and anthocyanin pigments will usually occur at extremely low phosphorus levels in soil. Be careful to check for insect damage as well; pest invasion damage can resemble the look of anthocyanin pigments.
PHOSPHORUS REGULATIONS ON TURF – SOIL TESTING IS KEY FOR APPLYING THIS NUTRIENT
Phosphorus is tightly regulated because this nutrient has been known to cause the degradation of surface water quality. Fortunately, most soil already contains enough phosphorus to sustain root development and growth of established turf. Regulations have been established to allow lawns to have the nutrients they need, when needed (example: early turf development), while keeping the waterways clean. Each state has different phosphorus regulations, so fertilizers should be selected carefully based on turf’s needs and state regulations. Talk with your country extension office for more information about phosphorus regulations in your state. Also, conduct a soil test to determine if phosphorus is lacking within you soil and at what rates it should be applied. If you’re starting a new lawn, plants will benefit from a starter fertilizer that contains phosphorus to help develop healthy root systems, stimulate growth, and assist with energy reactions throughout the plant.
BEST TIMES TO APPLY PHOSPHORUS
- Establishing new turf (Starter fertilizer).
- Curing a lack of phosphorus necessary for plant root development and growth (determined by a soil test).
- Repairing turf – reseeding or sodding damaged areas of the lawn (Starter fertilizer applied to those areas).
- PROtip: Overall, the best method to make phosphorus in soil available for plant uptake is by adopting a regular lawn care routine. This includes proper fertilization, proper soil amendments management, proper mowing and watering, as well as proper aeration and thatch management.
Phosphorus is associated with healthy root development and growth, but plants use it for many other processes. Phosphorus is vital, especially when starting a new lawn, repairing a lawn or curing a lack of phosphorus in the soil as well as sustaining the health of established turf and plants all year round.
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.
References:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/phosphorus-plant-growth.htm
https://www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/garden-care/what-do-nitrogen-phosphorus-and-potassium-do/
https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/AY/AY-334-W.pdf
https://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/lawns/fertilizing-lawns/
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/phosphates-make-grass-grow-faster-efficiently-37265.html
https://www.ipni.net/ppiweb/bcrops.nsf/$webindex/ECBABED567ABDCDD852568EF0063C9F4/$file/99-1p06.pdf
https://passel.unl.edu/pages/informationmodule.php?idinformationmodule=1130447043&topicorder=2
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2012/rpt/2012-R-0076.htm
Turf Care Supply - TurfReport Blog
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.
Dear Valued Industry Partners and Customers, We are pleased to announce that Turf Care Supply, LLC has acquired Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (October 1, 2024) a respected manufacturer in the turf and ornamental fertilizer industry. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing you with an expanded range of innovative products, services, and industry expertise, all designed to support your business’s continued growth and success. As a valued partner or customer, you will benefit from enhanced service capabilities and an extended geographic reach, thanks to Agri-Nutrients, Inc.’s strategic facility located in the Port of Catoosa, Oklahoma. With this established presence in the Southwest and Western markets, Turf Care Supply, LLC’s expanded operational footprint will allow us to serve a broader region with greater efficiency, delivering even stronger support to help drive your business forward. We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the high standards of service you expect. If you have any questions or would like to explore how this new location can enhance your operations, please feel free to contact your account manager or our customer service team. Thank you for your continued trust in Turf Care Supply, LLC. We look forward to partnering with you as we grow together and continue supporting your success. Sincerely, Mark Mangan President Turf Care Supply, LLC
With a focus on providing sustainable manufacturing and reducing carbon emissions, Turf Care Supply has embraced the electric power market with the latest mobile equipment upgrades. Completed in June 2023, TCS received all deliveries of electric forklifts to all three manufacturing facilities, including Hatfield, MA, Martins Ferry, OH and Sebring, FL.