Liquid fertilizer programs are very popular. Supplying turf with small amounts of nutrients in liquid form every seven to 10 days can produce consistent growth and acceptable color. Such a program can also be easily adjusted to manage green speeds and expedite turf recovery when necessary.

Some granular fertilizers, on the other hand, can create an undesirable growth surge, leach beyond the root zone and may require immediate watering to avoid burning the turf. Organic granular fertilizers may produce unpredictable growth and often must be applied at substantial rates to yield enough nitrogen to make an impact. So, why would anyone consider using granular products?

Granular nitrogen inputs are extremely important for bolstering soil nutrient levels and creating healthy turf. Both inorganic and organic granular nitrogen sources can play an important role in fertility programs. Organic-based fertilizers not only supply nitrogen, they also increase soil carbon levels which enhances soil microbial activity and subsequent nutrient cycling. Healthy nutrient cycling catalyzes mineralization, the process by which organic nitrogen is transferred into the plant-available, inorganic form. Additionally, organic granular nitrogen sources have substantially lower leaching potential and little or no burn potential.