when buying fertilizer for your lawn what does the nitrogen sulfer and phosphate do? And what to buy?

Answer 1

On all fertilizers you will see three numbers. They are always listed in the following order N - P - K, and stand for:

N (nitrogen) promotes leaf growth and forms proteins and chlorophyll.
P (phosphorus) contributes to root, flower and fruit development.
K (potassium) contributes to stem and root growth and the synthesis of proteins.

In grass, the amount of phosphorous is important for root growth only, as flower/fruit production is not important. However, recommended ratios of N-P-K for lawn fertilizers include 3:1:2 or 4:1:2. Much more Nitrogen is needed because the most vigorously growing part of a grass plant is the leaf (blade).

Also, whether the fertilizer is a fast or slow release fertilizer is important to consider. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Fast release in moderate amounts is a great pre-growing season solution. Slow release is best for long term results.

Answer 2

Nitrogen is part of proteins, has a role in chlorophyll production, and basically what makes the plant grow. When you say nitrogen sulfur, do you mean ammonium sulfate? Ammonium sulfate (AS) is typically used in acidifying soils with high pH. AS can burn plants, so be careful if you are applying this product.

Phosphorus (P) is highly abundant in Florida soils, so P is not incorporated into fertilizer mixes here. P is important because it essentially makes and stores the energy made by the plant. It's the P in ATP!! (Potassium is used to help encourage root growth, not phosphorus. You would apply potassium after an aeration.)

It depends on the time of year, grass type, and where you are in the country which will determine the type of fertilizer you should buy. For instance, you do not want to apply anything with a high amount of nitrogen (like a 28-0-14) in the winter months. A 28-0-14 will encourage tissue growth which is not good in winter since frost can damage the succulent growth put out by the addition of that much N. A 28-0-14 would be OK to apply in the summer months when you are trying to maintain a green lawn.

You do want to be careful not to provide an environment for fungi as a result of applying too much or too little N.

Answer 3

Nitrogen is primarily used by the plant to green up. It promotes leaf growth and is required in fairly large amounts by grass. Sulfur is a micro-nutrient that us sometimes used as a counter ion to the nitrogen as in ammonium sulfate. Phosphate is another major plant nutrient, but it isn't as essential as nitrogen, especially for lawns, as it is used more for reproductive growth. I would recommend any lawn fertilizer blend like Scott's and follow the directions precisely, you don't want to over-fertilize and kill your lawn.