Spring sets the foundation for your lawn’s success in the months ahead. Following the right cultural practices during the season sets the stage for lush, healthy turf. Last week, we covered Spring Turf Tips on our Blog Page to ensure proper cultural practices this time of year. Now let’s now dig into the importance of spring fertility and what organic products should be a cornerstone in your lawn care program.
Why Choose Organic Fertilizers?
There’s growing concern about the long-term effects of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides on our health, the environment, and the wellbeing of pets and children. These synthetic products rely on water-soluble nitrogen (WSN), which releases nutrients faster than plants can absorb or soil microbes can store. This rapid release often leads to nutrient leaching and runoff, harming local ecosystems.
Additionally, the salts in synthetic fertilizers adversely affect the beneficial soil organisms essential for breaking down organic matter and cycling nutrients in a healthy lawn. Many synthetic products as well tend to acidify the soil over time, especially those high in ammonium sulfate or urea. This acidification drives pH down and reduces the availability of essential nutrients and disrupt microbial activity. While chemical fertilizers can meet some nutrient needs of the plant, that is all they can do. Your plant becomes dependent on the chemicals to grow rather than getting the nutrients from the soil.
Organic fertilization programs take a different approach by feeding the soil biology, which in turn nourishes the plants. PJC’s ProHealthy Turf All-Natural Organic Fertilizers supply the nutrients and organic materials needed for soil microorganisms to thrive. These microbes break down nutrients and store them in the soil, releasing them to plants as needed. After the nutrients are consumed or stored, the husks of organic matter remain, helping to improve organic matter, water retention and soil tilth. The result? A soil environment that supports vigorous, healthy growth while improving water retention and soil structure.
PJC ProHealthy Turf Early Spring All-Natural Product Recommendations
PJC is committed to creating products that foster microbial activity, improve soil chemistry, and support healthy, sustainable turf. Here’s how our products can elevate your spring lawn care program…
BOOST+S3
Designed to meet your soil’s needs coming out of Winter! BOOST+S3 is a soil conditioner and bio-stimulant. It combines plant proteins and essential minerals like calcium, sulfur, and iron with 2.75% humate to improve soil chemistry, soil biology, and soil structure. This product decreases compaction, enhances nutrient retention, and jump-starts early chlorophyll production with chelated iron. With its high mineral content, it’s the perfect choice for March to May applications, giving your turf a head start this spring.
CHARGE-S3
PJC’s CHARGE-S3 is made from biochar, molasses, kelp, animal and plant proteins. Use throughout the season to improve soil chemistry, soil structure and soil biological activity (S3). CHARGE-S3 is a steady food source, increases nitrogen fixation, nutrient retention and cycling; while making Ca, Mg, K, P and other micronutrients more bioavailable. It aids in water retention and absorption of inhibitory compounds, all while adding a carbohydrate source to help soil bacteria proliferate! (May-June)
ProHealthy Turf 7-0-2+
PJC’s 7-0-2+ Organic Fertilizer is a 2-in-1 fertilizer and soil conditioner made with premium all-natural ingredients. We use all-natural premium ingredients as a food source for soil biology while adding organic matter to the soil. The added humate increase soil nutrient holding capacity and provide a consistent, slow-release nitrogen source for sustained growth. This easy-to-apply product avoids burning and keeps turf thriving without the use of urea, municipal waste, or manure. PJC also offers a 6-0-1, OMRI listed 6-0-6, 8-0-1 and OMRI listed 8-0-6 blends.
High-Efficiency Calcitic Lime
Spring is an ideal time to apply high-efficiency calcitic lime to your lawn. High-efficiency calcitic lime works quickly to adjust soil pH, helping create an optimal environment for turf growth throughout the season. By addressing soil acidity early in the season, you improve nutrient availability and microbial activity, which are essential for a healthy lawn. Additionally, the calcium in calcitic lime strengthens grass cell walls and promotes robust root development, Always follow soil test recommendations to ensure proper application rates and avoid over-liming.
The Importance of Soil Testing
Before introducing any soil amendments, PJC recommends starting with a soil test to build your organic lawn care program from. Soil testing provides essential data on pH, buffer pH, organic matter, cation exchange capacity, and nutrient levels. These insights help you set customer expectations, are science based, and determine exactly what products the soil needs to grow healthy, resilient turf. Learn more about PJC’s soil testing services.
Transform Your Lawn Care Program
By incorporating PJC’s organic turf products into your spring lawn care routine, you can effect early-season turf response and meet client expectations. Whether you’re working with residential customers or getting athletic fields ready for spring, these products deliver results you can trust.
Ready to elevate your lawn care with organic solutions? Reach out to discuss how to integrate them into your program. Let’s create healthier, greener lawns together!
