Quick vs Slow Release Fertiliser
Some fertilisers last for many months
Controlled or Slow Release Fertiliser
- Spring & Summer Fertiliser for Clay Soils
- Spring & Summer Fertiliser for Sandy Soils
- Spring & Summer Ornamental Lawn Fertiliser
- Long Lasting Lawn Fertiliser for Rich or Clay Soils
- Long Lasting Lawn Fertiliser for Light or Sandy Soils
- Autumn Lawn Fertiliser
- New Lawn Pre-Seeding & Turfing Fertiliser
Lawnsmith® Slow Release Fertilisers are available in the Lawnsmith Shop and discussed below:
In these types of lawn fertiliser a mechanism or barrier is used to prevent the fertiliser from releasing its nutrients all in one go. This allows for a 'trickle' type feeding over an extended period of time providing steady growth with a normal mowing pattern without growth 'surges' as so often happens with quick release fertilisers.
Coated fertiliser by its very nature IS slow release fertiliser or controlled release fertiliser. It uses a physical barrier to control access to the fertiliser. It remains as a complete prill even as the fertiliser content slowly dissolves into the soil and feeds the grass.
Other slow release fertilisers use a long and complicated molecular structure which needs to be ‘chopped up’ usually by bacteria before the grass can utilise them. Just think of trying to eat a whole chicken in one go – better to cut it up first! All soluble slow release fertilisers would use this molecular release mechanism whether they dissolve before or after application.
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Quick Release Fertiliser
Lawnsmith® Quick Release Fertilisers are available in the Lawnsmith Shop and discussed below:
The word ‘quick’ should really read ‘readily available’. In other words ‘quick release fertilisers’ have their nutrients in a form ready for use by the plant. They last between 4 and 6 weeks depending on temperature and moisture level.
The warmer and wetter it is the more fertiliser is required by the grass thus quickly reducing the amount remaining and therefore the time that the fertiliser will last. This means a surge in growth in ideal conditions and often the reason DIY fertilisers can cause mowing problems.
It may appear that quick release fertiliser is not a good thing. However, if used correctly it is of great help: fertilisers for low temperature use are often quick release as they may not work at all were they to be slow release.
In addition, when you apply fertiliser you usually want it to start working immediately but last for weeks or months. By combining quick release with slow release you can have immediate results over an extended period without excessive mowing or growth surges. All Lawnsmith slow release fertiliser has a portion of ‘quick release’ in it to give a quick albeit small lift to the grass so that it benefits immediately from the treatment. This is quite normal particularly if it is a spring or autumn fertiliser treatment.
