Nitrogen Types For Lawns and Working With The Weather

This is a quick video that seemed relevant based on the turf i was seeing while driving around yesterday. Nitrogen Types are good to understand as well as release rates, the function of them, and the expectations that should come with applications. I am going to point out what I believe was a missed opportunity and why so much turf is in bad shape around the valley. Most operators don't have the leeway to adjust when production is paramount, the fertilizers used were whatever was available and would require some warm weather to really get working. Since we had fits and starts of Spring this year, much of the N that was applied likey volitized, or washed out before it could get used. As such, my low input N program on my own lawn has been holding steady for 6 weeks without wash when even compared to lawns in the neighborhood who spread full rates of granular.
Now that summer is coming, there will be catching up to do and unfortunately for these turf areas, it may be too late with standard practices. Weeds are running wild and dry spots are showing even though we've had record rainfall, the lack in turf density is showing.
This highlights the importance of a soil first approach because the buffering capacity goes through the roof and allows for bizarre shifts in weather not to

[@michelledelaney4271]

So it seems knowing what to use when is the learning process. For example, from my limited understanding, D-thatch is best use when temps are higher. Yet you used it when it was cool and got the results you wanted . Can you expand on that seemingly paradoxical situation?

[@Lawncology]

Absolutely. The short answer is that I used it for a different purpose. I don't really have anything that needed extra aid in digestion but I wanted to increase heat in the soil even at almost imperceptible levels to see if I could Guide the growth of the turf through increases microbial activity. In essence, I added more body heat to create a different soil environment.

[@michelledelaney4271]

Lawncology I appreciate your knowledge so much. It helps me understand the ‘why’ . Trying to understand the process is important to me.

[@AEAC]

Your ramblings are black gold John. Please don't ever stop! Steve

[@johnkaneiii9167]

Lawn looks awesome, have a great trip

[@Lawncology]

John Kane I I I thanks buddy!

[@chrisa8112]

Thanks John for this video on soil and types of nitrogen it helps out tremendously on selection of products...

[@yardmama3660]

Love the fact that I get to be “spoon fed” educated while I’m getting dressed, working in lawn, walking the neighborhood..and like I tell my students- being able to back up claims with credible sources. From a teacher... thank you for being a great teacher.

[@Lawncology]

+Yard Mama wow, thank you so much!!!

[@yardmama3660]

Lawncology ❤️

[@Lawty920]

Keep the rambles coming -- we all appreciate the knowledge and wisdom you share!

[@Lawncology]

Thank you, sometimes I see things I need to talk about.

[@nedg3740]

Great info Johnny! You and Matt are the lawn go to geniuses. Appreciate everything you guys do.

[@Lawncology]

+Ned Galic thank you! Just trying to spread the word!

[@dewayneoverton466]

Green punch or the green effect/ micro-green combo for a dark green lawn?

[@JD-ce4so]

I’m gone a lot on the weekends so I hired my kids baby sitter to watch my lawn and she didn’t do anything for my lawn, it’s still ugly. Your advice to babysit my lawn it’s working!!

[@Lawncology]

J D 😂😂

[@jordanhinck2087]

Holler if you’re ever in Kansas City and want to throw the disc a bit with a fellow lawn care fanatic. There are a few of us in town that watch your channel and are also pretty big disc golf competitors!

[@Lawncology]

Jordan Hinck I would be down for that. I’ll let you know if I’m making a big road trip this summer

[@YardGuy]

So much info. Love this stuff man. I need to try this stuff some day.

[@Lawncology]

Cmon Jason! Shoot me an email sometime and I’d like to hear more about what you’re doing on the lawn.

[@juliodiaz3675]

I am from florida I did not believe this until I tried humic 12 and Rgs my lawn turn blue

[@Lawncology]

Julio Diaz yes. One of the reasons I many companies use ya in Florida is the rapid changes they see!

[@juliodiaz3675]

Lawncology my respect

[@ColonelK0rn1]

I wanna see an IBC tote arrive at Ryan's house :D He can spread the love to his lawn that's been denitrified and his neighbor's house that he is working on too.

[@Lawncology]

ColonelK0rn I’ll talk to him about it 😁

[@SouthFLTools]

Another great video, John! Appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us DIYers. Thinking about backing off on the Milo and Carbon-X apps this summer and purchasing the 2.5 gallon 18-0-1 and 0-0-2 containers from the LCN, to put those down instead at the lower recommended rates. I live in South Florida and although I’m not aware of any fertilizer blackout in my city, these afternoon rain showers come in fast & furious and could easily wipeout any granular apps, so thinking liquid ferts might be the way to go to give my lawn new nutrition in a more environmentally friendly way.

[@Lawncology]

+Kevin Koeppen it will be a better way to go. Consider sooon feeding it through the summer. Less feet more often.

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

2:39 it waz a 🐦

[@micjodan]

What are your thoughts on the IFA four step fertilizer program?

[@ShawnYarnell]

John, I have a long list of lawn issues to fix, and I want to do it without injuring my already thin Bermuda. I bought Compaction Combo, fungicide for what I think is a fungus problem, lime because my pH is 5.5 in North AL per my test, a spectraside product to kill off some ticks, and some Milo because I haven't fertilized in 6 weeks. I want to start immediately. What order and combinations make the most sense and won't injure my lawn?

[@Lawncology]

Shawn Yarnell go ahead and spread the milo. Put out 3 ounces of air8 right on top of it. This will speed up the breakdown process. The following week you can start using the compaction cure as it’s stated on the labels/info sheet. How much lime did you apply?

[@ShawnYarnell]

@@Lawncology I have not applied anything yet. I bought some things when on vacation did more research and bought more things yesterday. So I have all of these items and have not put down a thing. So no fungicide first?

[@Lawncology]

Shawn Yarnell no fungicide unless fungus is confirmed present

[@ShawnYarnell]

@@Lawncology 'confirmed' is likely a strong word. I'm no expert lol. A strong belief though, as I know it's not grub. I need a way to share a picture or two in these instances...

[@Lawncology]

Shawn Yarnell [e-mail]

[@CP-rm7rz]

John, assuming PH and Micros are fine , how do you adjust NPK schedule when you are pounded with rain ? Delay release was thrown down [.8 lb/1k] , will it leach ? Should next NPK application move up ?

[@Lawncology]

Chris D great question. I’ve had the best luck with getting lower amounts out more often during the wet times. Think about it, if you push a Ton if growth and can’t mow. The first hack cause significant damage in its own. That’s assuming you’ve lost no N through the precipitation process. You can run low rates weekly or just encourage soil during that time so that when it gets hit with N, it jumps and cruises

[@CP-rm7rz]

@@Lawncology thanks. should warm up soon .I will go with 7-0-0 , RGS , AR8

[@trimecm1611]

Nail on the head John! Love your products and keep the vids coming, btw where’s our funky intro song?

[@Lawncology]

TRIMEC M boy I’ve got to get back on that. Connor ward tells me “more guitar less talk” 😂😂

[@trimecm1611]

Lawncology naw!! don’t listen to that rebel, more guitar and more talk...waiting for the anti squirrel fix as well the rabbit one worked fine, my lawn loves your minors 👍

[@garrettscott4094]

What type of Nitrogen do you guys use in your liquids?

[@Lawncology]

Garrett Scott we use urea and ammonium nitrate and process them at the plant to adjust their release.

[@garrettscott4094]

@@Lawncology thats cool, do you blend both in every nitrogen product you make?

[@Lawncology]

Garrett Scott some get one or the other and some both.

[@markmaccione6757]

Lawns looking mint JP 👌🏻 Quick question for ya... We just had 8 arborvitae trees planted and they’re only around 5’ right now. Any suggestions on what products to use to kick these bad boys into high gear. Looking for privacy ASAP. Always love your content 🙌🏻

[@Lawncology]

+Mark Maccione you can soil stems feed them regularly, they’ll grow fast with rotating material. Use 4-0-2 every other week and 18-0-1 between at about 2 ounces per tree weekly. They will grow quick.

[@markmaccione6757]

Lawncology Alrighty, I’ll get on that as soon as I can. Is it ok to start that now or should I wait until Fall?

[@Lawncology]

Get right on it.

[@markmaccione6757]

Lawncology Thanx JP. Appreciate the advice.

[@TheLawnCareNut]

Give me ALL of the nitrogen! 👊😂

[@Lawncology]

+The Lawn Care Nut load it out!

[@randallhunter3912]

🚐

[@Lawncology]

Harry Harry you are correct that lawns need more than Humic and if you watch or pay attention to what I speak about you’ll know that the lawns get everything they need when they need it. It takes a minute for grass to adjust to a low N diet, it’s not for everyone, but as a person who sees the detriment of nutrient pollution around the country, I believe that each of us can make a difference by applying less and caring for the soil more. Studies from schools are designed for maximum threshold of materials so that the absolute most of that material can be sold. Rarely does it have anything to do with nutrition. Your particular soil and structure may do better with more N. Some places do and some don’t need any. It’s good that you’ve taken it into your own hands and are able to make your own choices with your lawn care needs.

[@kevinscott6372]

Using your bio pack. How long will it take to get my soil healthy? And if my soil is sandy and not healthy should I use the bio pack more often?

[@Lawncology]

Moon Unit great question. Honestly sand sees strides quickly. In the course of one season you will see a layer of topsoil begin to form. It will only move deeper as time goes on. You’ll start noting over all improvements after a couple applications as far as longer green color, less weed pressure and so on.

[@kevinscott6372]

@@Lawncology Thanks John. Love what you're doing. Keep it up bro

[@Lawncology]

Moon Unit thanks buddy

[@jcarouth]

Hi John, thanks for the knowledge drop. I put down an app of Carbon-X last week which I planned on being my "before summer" fertilizer app as it's hot here in Texas already. I was thinking of doing monthly apps of "double dark" 7-0-0 and 0-0-2 through the summer for a little touch of N but mostly for the iron (high phos in my soil so foliar feeding my St Aug with iron and zinc is my jam.) Does that interval make sense or would you suggest something different? I did start rotating Humic12 and RGS weekly at 3oz/M from a previous video you did with Castleberry as the reasoning you gave seemed to make sense with what I'm trying to accomplish in my lawn.

[@brianschmitz6188]

I know you want JP's opinion on this, but I'm pretty positive he would say that's a great plan. I assume you plan on doing monthly RGS too? I bet he'd recommend some Air8 and D-Thatch, so the water you get from sprinklers or rain is most beneficial to the soil. I too await JP's response. Sorry to bud in, but that was a good question and I'd be curious to know how that Carbon-X works for you.

[@jcarouth]

@@brianschmitz6188 Thanks for the reply. I am doing RGS monthly in the sense that I am doing it every other week. In a previous video John mentioned using RGS and Humic12 rotationally to encourage growth and produce fast changes in the soil. I have a problematic lawn/soil that I've been working on getting it to fill in a lot of bare spots/dead spots and this strategy makes sense to me. As for Carbon-X, I do like it so far. I've done two apps with it about 5.5 weeks apart. The first one really exploded the growth and I expect this latest one will too. That's the major reason I am not putting more down this summer and looking at this more reserved program. It doesn't give quite the same deep green pop that I got from Ringer/Safer Lawn Restore (no Milo for me due to phos) but I think this 7-0-0 and 0-0-2 will help with that. Yesterday I was out fixing a sprinkler and a neighbor stopped by to tell me that my lawn hasn't looked this good in at least a decade. I'll take that as a win with thanks to Carbon-X and GCF.

[@tjcaldwe76]

Where can I get a lawncology shirt?

[@Lawncology]

Tyler Caldwell the online store. It’s actually done, we are stocking material now.

[@brianmoore9057]

John, Does the application rate or frequency change using Air-8 with heavy clay soils? My yard was built about 6 years ago (we purchased 2 years ago) and taking core samples it appears that the landscaping company just made sure they had the proper grading and put he sod right on the clay/rock mix. I'm only getting about 2 inches of actual dirt.

[@jeepcherokee24]

wait so...if I'm not getting the green up that I want (but my soil pH is 6ish and I applied lime in the spring), what in the world do i Do going into summer? I've been a milo sort of guy and use Humic12 and RGS with the occasional dose of Iron (soil sample said i was deficient). But I'm no greener than my neighbor is who does absolutely nothing. I'm stuck as to what to do.

[@Lawncology]

+jeepcherokee24 send me your soil sample and I’ll look over it. That’s the best way. [e-mail]

[@donaldjwright57]

I just have 1 question...I have 5k sq ft So when I use your product at 3 oz per thousand would I add 15 oz to my sprayer?

[@Lawncology]

Donald Wright that’s it.

[@jayfirebaugh]

Pay attention and compensate! Got it! Thanks!

[@michaelhutchinson9289]

How often would you recommend applying cabron-X? My lawn is looking great have some spots that are struggling. Not sure if it makes sense to Fertilize before the summer or keep pushing the bio stims and apply late summer early fall.

[@Lawncology]

+michael hutchinson not a bad idea to fertilizer before summer and really 6-8 week gaps are ideal.

[@sonycrack1]

When are we gonna get Perry & Martin back in the same place for knowledge fest!?

[@Lawncology]

Chris Voit that’s a great question! I know he’s been super busy, hopefully we can soon.

[@renalcolic3361]

I wonder how much of the poor appearance of the commercial lawns is due to bad mowing practices. Let’s say they are getting mowed once a week. I would think the 1/3 rule is never being followed. My neighbor has a company fertilize his lawn but scalps it every Sunday and his lawn looks like hell. I cut 2 or 3 times a week and the difference is obvious.

[@Lawncology]

Well, a lot were being mowed, so I would normally think that could be a factor but the weather hasn’t been terrible in the valley for a couple maybe three weeks. While I continue to have frost and such, it’s a totally different climate 3000’ below me.

[@mandr47961]

John can you PLEASE!!! help Allyn or Pete distribute Carbon X to California.

[@Lawncology]

+mandr47961 the registrations will have to be completed by Carbon Earth to get it in the state. I would guess that they are working on it.

[@xcrosswordsx2252]

Lawncology I’m hoping to be able to get your bio-stem pack in Ca as well as Carbon-x. Any updates by chance?

[@Lawncology]

Nathan Smith we are trying to get our last few states updated. It does take time, there are some bureaucracies that just love slow.

[@ochresprings]

Great video, as always...and good timing as I think lots of us are transitioning to summer heat mode. Looking forward to utilizing RGS, Humic12, Air8, and 0-0-2 through Jun/Jul/Aug to come along side the CarbonX I put down earlier this week. Oh, I used your "Fert Prices" jingle from last year at the end of my video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4e9YqVvrdRokNU

[@jerrylopez6237]

Lawn looks choppy and uneven... thumbs down.👎🏼

[@Lawncology]

jerry lopez lol. Thanks, take a look at what I’m dealing with in the back lawn. It’s getting eaten by ground squirrels and I’m actually not mowing it on purpose for the next while. Bringing it up from an inch as the summer heat comes on.

[@jerrylopez6237]

Ok I'll change the thumbs down to neutral lol 😂

[@Lawncology]

jerry lopez lol. Thanks buddy 😂

[@yardmama3660]

First! 👍🏻