Fertilisation

Fertilisation

🎯 Healthy turf is the foundation of a quality playing surface. Fertiliser plays a vital role in maintaining strong, resilient grass that can withstand regular play, recover quickly, and present a safe surface. The following guidance outlines why fertiliser matters and what to keep in mind when applying it.

Benefits of Using Fertiliser

💡 Stronger, Healthier Grass

Fertiliser provides essential nutrients—primarily nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)—that support vigorous growth, deeper roots, and improved colour and density.

💡 Enhanced Recovery From Wear

Regular play causes stress, thinning, and compaction. Proper nutrition helps the turf repair more quickly, reducing bare patches and maintaining an even surface.

💡 Improved Resistance to Stress

Well-fed grass is more resilient to drought, frost, disease, and heavy footfall. Fertiliser strengthens the plant’s natural defences and improves overall durability.

💡 Better Playing Quality

Dense, healthy grass improves ball roll, traction, and stability. This contributes to safer conditions for players and more enjoyable games across the season.

Key Considerations When Applying Fertiliser

💡 Know Your Soil

Whenever possible, base your fertiliser choice on soil analysis and advice from a BASIS FACTS qualified technical rep . This ensures fertiliser type and nutrient inputs are based on what you soil needs and avoids under or over-application.

💡 Choose the Right Product

It is usually sensible to have a fertiliser calendar/programme for the year as a general guide a technical fertiliser rep can help you with this. However fertiliser use also needs to match the climatic conditions and grass needs:

• Spring/Summer: higher nitrogen for growth.

• Autumn: more potassium for hardiness.

• Pre-winter: slow/controlled-release products to support long-term health.

⚠️ Apply at the Correct Rate

Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended application rate. Over-application can scorch the turf or cause excessive, weak growth; under-application limits results.

⚠️ Spread Evenly

• Granular fertiliser should be applied using a calibrated tractor mounted or pedestrian spreader or distributor to ensure proper and even coverage. They normally have settings to determine the amount of product applied per m2 and the “spread” width.
• If applying liquid or soluble fertiliser dilute with water or other compatible products as specified on the product label and apply with a pedestrian or tractor mounted sprayer following the recommended forward speed, nozzle size and operating speed (if applicable). Don’t forget if a product has a five figure MAPP number it will need applying by someone with the appropriate spraying licences.

💡Uneven application can lead to patchiness and colour variation. Follow the recommended spacing between “runs” to ensure even coverage, measuring out using cones, discs, marker flags or poles will help to ensure accuracy.

⚠️ Consider Weather and Timing

• Apply when the grass is dry and temperatures are mild. Do not apply liquid or granular fertilisers in hot, dry weather! It can scorch the grass.  Equally if it’s too cold fertiliser uptake will be limited and if applied in frosty conditions can damage the grass too. 

• Avoid strong winds that cause drift.

• Water-in if required, or time applications before light rain. Refer to the product label but granular fertiliser almost always requires rainfall or irrigation soon after application.

⚠️ Prioritise Safety

Wear gloves, avoid dust inhalation, and keep fertiliser away from waterways, drains, and hard surfaces to prevent pollution.

💡 Monitor the Turf

Observe colour, growth rate, and performance in the weeks following application. Adjust timing and product choice as needed in future.

For more information on fertiliser types and uses visit our Fertiliser resource in the Materials section.