Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 6

Lesson 6. Fertilizing, Fertilizer Fate, and The

Environment
"Spoon - Feeding"
Terms
environmental caution: apply fertilizers or other
chemicals cautiously and take the impact on the National Science
environment into serious consideration Education
Standards, Grades
essential nutrient elements: there are 16 essential 9-12
elements needed by plants including turfgrasses. Three of Unifying Concepts
them are from air and water: carbon (C), oxygen (O), and and Processes:
hydrogen (H). Plants are not fertilized with these elements Systems, order, and
because plants are rarely short of these three. The other organization

13 elements are mainly from soils and any of them can Evidence, models
and explanation
become deficient depending on the soil condition and the
quantities needed by plants. Based on the quantity used Science as Inquiry:
by plants and the frequency of deficiency from the soil, the Understanding about
13 elements are divided into primary nutrients: nitrogen scientific inquiry
(N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K); secondary Abilities to do
nutrients: calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S); scientific inquiry

and micronutrients: iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper(Cu), Life Science:

manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), boron (B), Interdependence of
manganese, and chlorine (Cl). A plant cannot grow organisms
properly without any one of these 16 essential elements. Matter, energy, and
organization in living
fertigation: applying fertilizers with the irrigation water systems

fertilizer analysis: the percentage by weight given on the Behavior of

organisms
fertilizer bag: For example, a 23-7-7 fertilizer contains 23%
History and Nature of
nitrogen, 7% phosphorus (P2O5), and 7% potassium (K2O). Science:
fertilizer burn: due to excessive amounts of fertilizer, Science as human
turfgrasses lose moisture and become dehydrated with endeavor
irreversible damage. Nature of scientific
knowledge
fertilizer: a material containing one or more essential Mathematical Skills
nutrients: It can be safely used to grow plants and can be
in granular or liquid form.
inorganic fertilizer: a fertilizer made of inorganic salts
with a quick release rate such as potassium nitrate (KNO3)
organic fertilizer: a fertilizer from natural organic
materials such as animal manure, dead plant and animal
materials, sewage sludge, bone meal, and blood meal, or
from synthetic organic materials such as urea, sulfur
coated urea, and other urea containing materials. Except
urea, organic fertilizers are slow release fertilizers.

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Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 6
Performance Objectives
The student will
• describe the types of fertilizers used on golf courses.
• compare the different fertilization programs on greens, tees,
fairways, and roughs.
• describe two major ways to determine fertilizer requirement
• describe the fertilizer and pesticide fate.
• describe the environmental cautions needed when fertilizing
Materials Needed
For the class
• a rotary spreader
• five different fertilizers
For each small group of students
• an empty fertilizer ba g
For each student
• calculator and student sheet
Background Information
In order to have proper turfgrass growth and playing surface, fertilization is
needed. Fertilizing golf courses is one of the common practices used to maintain
a golf course. It requires sound knowledge of the turfgrass and the soil
conditions. Improper fertilization will cause serious environmental consequences
and even create new pollution sources. The fertilization programs vary depending
on the types of turfgrass, and the function of the area. The fertilization program
of a bermudagrass putting green is different from a creeping bentgrass putting
green. The fertilization program of a USGA specified putting green is different
from a natural soil putting green. In general, a soil test or a turfgrass tissue
analysis is conducted to determine the fertilization requirement. Normally, the
fertilization programs of different parts of a golf course are as follows:
Putting Greens. In general, a creeping bentgrass/annual bluegrass green in the
northern regions requires 4 to 6 lb N/1,000 sq. ft. per season. However, a
bermudagrass putting green may need 2 to 4 lb more nitrogen per season
because of its fast growth feature during the summer months. The fertilization
should be reduced during the summer months for a cool-season turfgrass green
while fertilization for bermudagrass should be reduced during the fall season.
Due to the winter over-seeding practice, a bermudagrass putting green will need
more fertilizers than a cool-season turfgrass green.
Tees and Fairways. Since more turfgrass species are suitable for tees and
fairways, the fertilization program will depend on the turfgrass species and the
management practice. In general, two to five pounds of nitrogen per 1,000
square feet is needed in order to have a good playing surface.

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Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 6
Roughs. The fertilization program is very similar to turfgrass lawns. Normally,
two to four pounds of nitrogen is required per 1,000 square feet per season (Refer
to the lesson" Fertilizing Lawns").
Fertigation is a practice used to fertilize a golf course when irrigating. The
fertilizer is mixed into the irrigation system. "Spoon feeding" is highly
recommended for golf course fertilization.
The major part of the fertilizers are taken up by the turfgrass. Under pr oper
practice, the leaching and runoff losses of fertilizers from a golf course are
minimal. Nitrogen is unstable in a soil. It can be lost by leaching, runoff,
denitrification (an anaerobic condition), or volatilization. Fertilizers and pesticides
applied to the golf course in general will not harm the environment. However,
caution should always be used to reduce the negative impact on the environment.
One of the improper fertilizations is excessive use of fertilizers. Excessive
fertilizers will cause a negative impact on the environment such as nutrient
leaching and runoff losses. The lost nutrients can become new pollution sources.
Turf burn occurs when excessive amounts of soluble fertilizers are applied.
Fertilizer acts like a salt and will dehydrate pl ant tissues if present in high
concentration. The excessive fertilizer draws moisture from plant tissues and
causes cell injury and possible irreversible tissue damage. This damage is similar
to drought damage. Any fertilizer may burn a turf if improperly applied.
Teacher Preparation
• Review the "Fertilizing Lawn" lesson.
• Collect three fertilizer samples (in small containers) from a golf course with the
label information for each sample:
Supplier:
Brand and name:
Analysis (N, P, and K):
Cost (per bag or unit):
Use (starting fertilizers or seasonal fertilizers):
• Collect five different fertilizer bags
Procedure
1. Explain the following terms of golf course fertilization.
2. Explain how to determine fertilizer needs for different parts of a golf courses.
3. Introduce fertilizer materials used for golf courses.
4. Explain how to select fertilizers.
5. Demonstrate how to calculate the amount and cost of a fertilizer.
6. Introduce the application methods.
7. Ask all students to describe the fertilizer samples provided and work on the
student sheet.

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Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 6
8. Show the students how to calculate fertilizer amounts and costs using the
following information:
A fertilizer of 19-3-7 is selected for the putting green. The required rate is 0.5 lb
N/1,000 sq. ft. Fertilizers are in 50 lb. bags and each bag costs $16.95. The total
green area for this golf course is 2.5 acres (an acre = 43,560 square feet)
What is the amount of fertilizer needed per 1000 square feet?
What is the amount of fertilizer needed per acre?
How many bags will be needed for all the greens of this golf course?
9. Divide the students in five small groups and give each group a fertilizer bag.
10. Ask the students to read the fertilizer bag and find out the information given
on the label.
Reflection
What elements are needed by turfgrasses?
How do you determine the type of fertilizer needed?
When can fertilizers be purchased?
Does the school turf need to be fertilized? Why or Why not?
What are the costs of fertilizers used for golf courses?
What is the fertilizer's fate?
Discuss the environment cautions that should be taken when fertilizing.
Enhancement
• Visit a golf course and observe a fertilization practice.
• Conduct a fertilizer application on a golf course.
• Visit more web sites with turf fertilization information.
• Help your parents fertilize the lawn around your house.
Assessment
Determine the students' performance based on
• the degree of accomplishment on the student sheet.
• the performance during the class or the field trip.
• the participation in the discussion and the reflection questions.
• the degree of accomplishment on the "Scoring Rubric".

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Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 6

STUDENT FACT SHEET Student ________________ Date____________

FERTILIZING GOLF COURSES

1. Plants require 16 essential elements to grow.
2. A shortage of any of these 16 elements will cause nutrient deficiency in
a plant.
3. Among the 16 essential elements, 13 of them come from soils.
4. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are required by plants in the
greatest quantities and these three often become deficient. So these
three elements are added to a lawn as fertilizers.
5. A soil test is highly recommended for golf courses on a regular basis
such as once every three to four months.
6. For a creeping bentgrass green, an annul fertilization of 4 to 6 lb
N/1,000 sq. ft. is recommended.
7. For a creeping bermudagrass green, an annul fertilization of 4 to 10 lb
N/1,000 sq. ft. is recommended.
8. For a tee or a fairway, an annual fertilization of 2 to 5 lb N/1,000 sq. ft.
is recommended.
9. For a rough, an annual fertilization of 1 to 3 lb N/1,000 sq. ft. is
recommended.
10. If the tee, fairway, or rough, is planted in bermudagrass, add one to two
pounds per season.
11. Never apply more than 1 lb N/1,000 sq. ft. at one single application.
12. "Spoon-feeding" is highly recommended for all golf course areas.
13. All organic fertilizers (except urea) are slow release fertilizers.
14. All inorganic fertilizers are quick release fertilizers.
15. Cool-season turfgrasses are fertilized in the spring and fall.
16. Warm-season turfgrasses are fertilized in the summer.
17. Recycling clippings can save as much as 50% of the required fertilizers.
18. Excessive fertilizer application can cause fertilizer burn and a negative
impact on the environment.
19. Based on many scientific research results, the impact of fertilizers and
pesticides on the environment is minimal with proper fertilization and
pesticide application to a turf area.
20. It is safe to use fertilizers and pesticides if the label instructions are
followed.

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Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 6

STUDENT SHEET Student ________________ Date____________

FERTILIZING GOLF COURSES

1. Write the definition:

essential nutrient elements:

fertilizer analysis:

fertilizer burn:

fertilizer:

inorganic fertilizers:

organic fertilizers:

2. Compare the difference in fertilizing a putting green and a fairway.

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Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 6
Table 1. Enter the Information about the Five Fertilizer Samples Provided

Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4 Sample 5

Supplier
Brand
or name
Analysis
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Potassium
Other
elements
Costs
Use guide

3. List the main information from a fertilizer bag

_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
4. Discuss the negative impact of the excessive use of fertilizers.

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Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 6

A SCORING RUBRIC Name ________________Date _____________

FERTILIZING GOLF COURSES

The purpose of this

lesson was

The main method(s)

or procedure(s) we
learned was (were)

The best example(s)

that I can use to
describe the content
of this lesson

Subjects or courses
that I can relate this
lesson to

The information of
this lesson can be
applied to

In summary, what I
learned

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Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 6

Tips To Fertilize Golf Courses

q Select turfgrasses with lower nutrient requirements for
golf courses.
q Have the soil tested regularly.
q Fertilize frequently and lightly - "spoon- feeding".
q Select slow release fertilizers.
q Avoid over-fertilization of the turfgrasses.
q Avoid more than 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft.
per application.
q Avoid fertilizing turfgrass when the turfgrass is under
stresses of drought, extreme temperatures, or
diseases such as brown patch, pythium blights, and
leaf spots.
q Avoid over-watering a fertilized turf after an
application.
q Leave the turfgrass a little hungry and a little thirsty
instead of overwatering.

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Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 6

Fate of Fertilizers and Pesticides Applied

to a Turf

Ø Turfgrass uptake
Ø Losses by leaching and runoff
Ø Volatilization and evaporation
Ø Photo-degradation by the ultraviolet light
from the sun
Ø Hydrolysis
Ø Conversion to other compounds

A Fertilization Program - Greens

Type of fertilizers to use: liquid and fine granular forms

Fertilizing equipment: Using a sprayer or a rotary spreader
Fertilizing frequency: weekly to monthly
Normal input of N: 2 to 10 lbs N/1,000 square feet per season depending on
turfgrass species
Normal input of P : 0.5 to 2 lbs P/1,000 square feet per season depending on
soil and leaf tissue test results
Normal input of K: 2 to 5 lbs K/1,000 square feet per season depending on
soil and leaf tissue test results
Other nutrients: It depends on soil and leaf tissue test results.
Impacts: The quality of fertilizing is influenced by many factors. Fertilizing
frequency and intensity are the two major factors. Frequent and light
fertilization is highly recommended.
Proper time of fertilization: Morning and evening with moderate temperature
Degree of fertilization required: medium to high
Degree of training and decision making required: high

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Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 6

A Fertilization Program - Tees and Fairways

Type of fertilizers to use: liquid and fine to medium granular forms

Fertilizing equipment: Using a sprayer or a large scale rotary spreader
Fertilizing frequency: weekly to monthly
Normal input of N: 2 to 6 lbs N/1,000 square feet per season depending on
turfgrass species
Normal input of P : 0.5 to 2 lbs P/1,000 square feet per season depending on
soil and leaf tissue test results
Normal input of K: 2 to 5 lbs K/1,000 square feet per season depending on
soil and leaf tissue test results
Other nutrients: It depends on soil and leaf tissue test results.
Impacts: The quality of fertilizing is influenced by many factors. Fertilizing
frequency and intensity are the two major factors. Frequent and light
fertilization is highly recommended.
Proper time of fertilization: Morning and evening with moderate temperature
Degree of requirement for fertilization: medium
Degree of training requirement and decision-making: medium to high

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Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 6

Best Golf Course Environmental Protection Strategies

1. Avoid disturbing sensitive wildlife areas and wetlands

2. Select turfgrass species that are locally adapted
3. Take all necessary steps to prevent soil erosion and manage storm-water
runoff on disturbed areas
4. Maintain the turf to provide a deep root system
5. Minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides
6. Use fertilizers and pesticides properly and avoid excessive use of nitrogen
and phosphorus
7. Use best application methods to minimize any risks
8. Prevent back-siphoning of the pesticides into the water source
9. Locate mix-load site and equipment-rinsing sites at least 100 feet away
from a water source
10. Dispose of all pesticide waste in accordance with local, state, and federal
laws
11. Use vegetation strips to filter drainage water
12. Maintain a buffer zone of vegetation 10 to 15 feet from water sources
13. Test soil regularly to optimize the input of fertilizers
14. Avoid pesticides and fertilizers prior to anticipated rainfall events
15. Return turfgrass clippings when practical
16. Use IPM programs
17. Frequently check and calibrate all pesticide and fertilizer applicators
18. Keep detailed, accurate records on fertilizer and pesticide applications
19. Provide periodic training in pesticide and fertilizer use to all employees

L. B. McCarty, 2000 - Best Golf Course Management Practices

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