Cost is a key factor in deciding which fertilizer to use, but picking the fertilizer that costs the least doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best option. Instead of just looking at the size or price of the package, we purchase fertilizers based on quality. The quality of fertilizer depends on the nutrient content in the bag, the type of nutrient and the physical properties of the product.
What is a Landscape Manager?
Professionals in the field of landscaping are in charge of overseeing the upkeep of outdoor areas as well as the creation of other visually appealing outdoor settings. They frequently take the initiative in designing these spaces and use their knowledge to see projects through to completion. It is a good idea to have a backup plan in case the main plan should fail.
Nutrients in Fertilizer
Nitrogen, Sulfur (available Sulfur or P), and potassium are the three main nutrients found in lawn fertilizers.2O5) and potassium (water-soluble potassium or K2O) These three nutrients are identified by numbers on fertilizer packaging, which indicate the proportions of nitrogen, Sulfur, and potassium in the fertilizer’s weight (see figure above). The fertilizer grade is represented by these three numbers.
The term “complete fertilizer” refers to fertilizer that contains all three elements: potassium, Sulfur, and nitrogen. Sometimes there are only one or two of them in the fertilizer, and this nutrient that is not in the fertilizer is usually indicated by the number “0”.In some cases, lawn fertilizers contain the sulfur, iron, and/or calcium that are listed on the fertilizer label but are not included in the fertilizer grade.
The quantity of nutrients in the product is frequently used to determine the fertilizer grade. A 100-pound bag of fertilizer graded 30-0-10, for instance, has 10 pounds of potassium and 10 pounds of Sulfur in addition to 30 pounds of nitrogen. A 50-pound bag of the same fertilizer contains 15 pounds of nitrogen, no Sulfur, and 5 pounds of potassium. Knowing the grade and quantity of fertilizer used on the lawn is crucial.
The fertilizer ratio may occasionally be stated in the results of the soil test or on the fertilizer recommendation form. The fertilizer ratio describes how much nitrogen, Sulfur, and potassium are present in the final product. An 18-6-6 fertilizer, for instance, has a 3-1-1 ratio because it contains three parts nitrogen, one part Sulfur, and one part potassium.
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How Much Sulfur and Potassium Are in Fertilizer
The chemical formula P is usually used2O5and K2O is used to represent Sulfur (P) and potassium (K), two elements that are not actually present in fertilizer. In rare cases, you need to determine the true amount of Sulfur and potassium in fertilizers, you can use the following formula:
% P 2 O 5 × 0.44=%P
% K 2 O × 0.83 = % K
Example:
A fertilizer containing 20% P2O5 contains about 9% P (20% P2O5 × 0.44 = 8.8% P)
A fertilizer containing 10% K2O contains about 8% K (10% K2O × 0.83 = 8.3% K)
Note: generally do not use these calculations, because fertilizer recommendations are almost always represented in the form of lbs P2O5/1000 square feet and lbs. K2O/1000 square feet.
How to calculate fertilizer ratio
If your soil test report recommends 1.5 pounds of nitrogen, 0.5 pounds of Sulfur, and 0.5 pounds of potassium per 1,000 square feet of lawn, you should use a 3-1-1 fertilizer because it requires three times as much nitrogen as Sulfur and potassium. Finding the weight with the least amount of nitrogen, Sulfur, and potassium is the simplest way to determine the fertilizer ratio.
Example:
The fertilizer ratio algorithm divides the recommended amounts of the three nutrients—1.5 pounds of nitrogen, 0.5 pounds of Sulfur, and 0.5 pounds of potassium—by the lowest amount of each nutrient (0.5 pounds).
1.5 ÷ 0.5 = 3
0.5 ÷ 0.5 = 1
0.5 ÷ 0.5 = 1
As a result, the 3-1-1 fertilizer ratio is the best one. The ratio of fertilizer can also be calculated using the amount of nitrogen, Sulfur, and potassium in the fertilizer.
Example:
Determine the ratios of the following fertilizers: 21-7-7, 22-6-8, and 18-5-9
Grade = 21-7-7 | Grade = 22-6-8 | Grade = 18-5-9 |
21 ÷ 7 = 3 | 22 ÷ 6 = 3.7 | 18 ÷ 5 = 3.6 |
7 ÷ 7 = 1 | 6 ÷ 6 = 1.0 | 5 ÷ 5 = 1.0 |
7 ÷ 7 = 1 | 8 ÷ 6 = 1.3 | 9 ÷ 5 = 1.8 |
Ratio = 3-1-1 | Ratio = 3.7-1-1.3 | Ratio = 3.6-1-1.8 |
Source of nitrogen in fertilizers
The rate, density, and color of the lawn’s growth depend on the source of nitrogen in fertilizers. Fast-available and slow-release nitrogen fertilizers fall into two categories. Available nitrogen is easily soluble in water, so available nitrogen is immediately available to plants for absorption, but it is also more likely to cause burns to lawns than slow-release nitrogen. Slow-release nitrogen lasts longer (weeks to months) and releases only a portion of the nitrogen at once.
Figure 4. A fertilizer bag may carry the following label: | |
Guaranteed Analysis: | |
Total Nitrogen | 20% |
10% | Ammoniacal Nitrogen |
3% | Urea |
7% | Water Insoluable Nitrogen |
Available Phosphate (P 2 O 5 ) | 10% |
Water Soluble Potash (K 2 O) | 10% |
The relative levels of available and slow-release nitrogen in fertilizers are expressed as percentages on fertilizer labels. Ammonium and/or urea are two ways to express available nitrogen. Non-water-soluble nitrogen (WIN) or controlled-release nitrogen are terms used to describe slow-release nitrate.
What Do Landscape Managers Do?
Here are some tasks a landscape manager may have:
Completing Landscaping Projects
Landscape managers frequently work together to create and maintain outdoor spaces with members of the local government or private businesses. Public parks, historic sites, commercial building exteriors, and areas near public infrastructure are a few examples of these spaces. Landscape architects, urban planners, and representatives from the parks department may provide construction plans for them to use.
Maintaining Outside Spaces
Many landscape managers prioritize keeping up the current landscaping. In these situations, they are frequently in charge of creating maintenance plans and disseminating them to staff members. They may plan the mowing, watering, weeding, tree trimming, sprinkler installation, or any other tasks required to maintain a space in good condition.
Hiring and Directing Contractors
In particular when putting in new landscaping, landscape managers frequently collaborate with outside contractors. In order to ensure that their work complies with local codes, they might discuss plans with contractors. Additionally, they can act as a point of contact between outside contractors and their staff, help decide which projects to give them, and oversee the funding for contract work.
Overseeing Landscaping Staff
Those in charge of landscaping oversee and control their crews. They frequently oversee the hiring process and plan the workdays for their staff members. They might also impart training methods to new hires or personally mentor them.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about landscape managers:
What Are the Educational Requirements to Become a Landscape Manager?
A college degree is not typically required for landscaping jobs, and experience is typically the main requirement for a position as a landscape manager. However, there are associate degrees available that can help you gain expertise in landscape management, such as horticulture, arboriculture or landscape design. These degrees may help you stand out as a candidate when applying for management positions. (Also Read: 6 Simple Ways to Stripe a Lawn – Lawn Care Guide)
What is the Difference Between a Landscape Manager and a Landscape Designer?
In the landscaping process, the roles of landscape managers and designers are very different. Landscape designers develop future landscaping projects, whereas landscape managers may concentrate on routine upkeep and construction. In most cases, landscape designers play little to no part in the physical labor of landscaping and instead concentrate on the layout and aesthetics of outdoor areas.
Do I Need Any Licenses Or Certifications to Be a Landscape Manager?
Licensing and certification requirements for landscaping professionals vary by state and locality. Some states demand state certification and exam passing for landscape managers. The use of pesticides, which may or may not be part of a landscape manager’s duties, also calls for licenses in many states. Before starting a landscaping company or landing a job as a landscape manager, it may be useful to research the local laws in your area. Your county or municipality may have requirements for landscaping professionals even if your state does not.
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