Magnesium for Florida Turfgrasses

Soluble magnesium (Mg) is often applied to turfgrasses in both granular and foliar forms, and is therefore essential to understanding the function of Mg in the plant, the dynamics of Mg in the soil, and the forms of Mg fertilizers. This 3-page document discusses the function and forms of magnesium in turfgrasses. Written by T. W. Shaddox and published by the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department, March 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep555

The Fate of Nitrogen Applied to Florida Turfgrass

The quality of Florida’s surface and ground waters is of utmost importance to the flora and fauna living in them, as their growth is directly related to the amount of nutrients in these waters. In order to make informed decisions regarding nitrogen (N) applications to turfgrass, it is important to understand the N cycle in the soil/turfgrass system. The objective of this 8-page publication is to identify and describe the sources and potential fates of N applied to Florida turfgrass. Written by T.W. Shaddox and J.B. Unruh and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Environmental Horticulture, January 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep546

Iron for Florida Turfgrasses

Man standing on lawn while sprinkler soaks turfgrass in foreground

Iron (Fe) is commonly applied to enhance turfgrass color. Understanding the dynamics of Fe both in the plant and in the soil could greatly enhance your nutrient management programs. The objective of this 4-page publication is to explain the function of Fe within the plant, describe the Fe sources available for turfgrasses, and identify which forms of Fe are most effective in improving turfgrass quality. Written by Travis Shaddox and J.B. Unruh and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Environmental Horticulture, January 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep551

How to Calibrate Your Fertilizer Spreader

Fertilizer application is only effective if you ensure uniform coverage. This 5-page document discusses the calibration and use of fertilizer spreaders for successful application. Written by T.W. Shaddox, J.B. Unruh, and L.E. Trenholm and published by the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department, November 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/lh024

Soil Testing and Interpretation for Florida Turfgrasses


John Cisar, a professor of Environmental Horticulture at the University of Florida's Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, is studying how turfgrass and other landscape plants can help prevent nitrogen from leaching through the soil into groundwater, Wednesday - Aug. 13, 2003. He said three years of research have shown that turfgrass is most effective in reducing nitrogen leaching and should be used in Florida landscapes. Other plants require more time to become established and slow nitrogen leaching through the soil.
Most people agree that healthy, well-maintained turfgrass is a thing of beauty. The successful growth of turfgrass is aided by having knowledge of a few basic facts concerning the nutritional requirements of turfgrasses and the properties of fertilizer and liming materials. This four-page document will help the reader understand how soil testing may be used to more efficiently manage nutrient applications for Florida turfgrasses. Written by T.W. Shaddox and J.B. Sartain and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences, October 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/SS317

Florida Fertilizer Usage Statistics


Nutrient applications are often required to meet Florida’s demand for agricultural and horticultural commodities, but often those applications occur in close proximity to water bodies. In order for scientists, policy makers, and citizens to make decisions regarding nutrient issues in Florida, it is important to first understand which markets contribute to Florida’s fertilizer consumption. This three-page fact sheet explains Florida’s fertilizer usage statistics. Written by T.W.Shaddox and published by the Environmental Horticulture Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep541

Nitrogen to Potassium Ratios for Florida Golf Courses

Golf course nutrient management programs commonly include application of both nitrogen and potassium. These macronutrients are required by turfgrass in greater quantities than any other element except carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. This two-page fact sheet explains the Nitrogen to Potassium ratios that are best for golf courses. Written by T.W. Shaddox and J.B. Unruh and published by the Environmental Horticulture Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep540

Tissue Testing and Interpretation for Florida Turfgrasses

Tissue analysis offers a precise estimate of a plant’s nutritional status at the time of sampling. Nutrient deficiencies can be detected with tissue analysis before visual symptoms appear. This three-page fact sheet describes the importance of tissue testing and how to interpret the results. Written by T.W. Shaddox and published by the Environmental Horticulture Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep539