Lawn Fertilization Glossary for Homeowners

• Amendments: Materials added to soil to improve its physical or chemical properties, such as compost, lime, or sulfur.
• Application Rate: The amount of fertilizer applied per unit area, usually measured in pounds per 1,000 square feet.
• Ammonium Nitrate: A nitrogen-based fertilizer that provides quick-release nitrogen for rapid plant growth.

• Biofertilizer: Fertilizers derived from natural organisms that enhance soil fertility by fixing nitrogen or decomposing organic matter.
• Broadcast Spreader: A tool that evenly spreads granular fertilizer across a lawn by broadcasting it in a fan-like pattern.
• Burn: Lawn damage caused by overapplication of fertilizer, leading to leaf scorching or root damage.

• Chelated Micronutrients: Nutrients bound with organic molecules to make them more available for plant uptake, such as chelated iron.
• Complete Fertilizer: A fertilizer that contains all three primary nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).
• Compost Tea: A liquid fertilizer made by steeping compost in water to extract nutrients and beneficial microbes.

• Deficiency: A lack of essential nutrients in the soil that can lead to poor lawn health and growth.
• Dormancy: A state of reduced activity in grass, during which fertilization is typically avoided.
• Drip Line Fertilizing: Applying fertilizer near the outer perimeter of trees or shrubs where water drips off the foliage.

• Elemental Sulfur: A soil amendment used to lower soil pH and improve the availability of certain nutrients.
• Erosion Control Fertilizer: Fertilizer formulations designed to promote quick grass growth and stabilize soil to prevent erosion.

• Fast-Release Fertilizer: A type of fertilizer that quickly dissolves and provides immediate nutrient availability to grass.
• Fertilizer Analysis: The ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K) in a fertilizer, expressed as percentages on the packaging.
• Fertilizer Burn: Damage caused by overapplying fertilizer, resulting in yellow or brown patches in the lawn.

• Granular Fertilizer: Solid fertilizer in pellet or granule form that is applied with a spreader and dissolves gradually over time.
• Green-Up: The process by which grass becomes greener and healthier, often due to the application of nitrogen-rich fertilizer.

• High-Nitrogen Fertilizer: Fertilizer with a high percentage of nitrogen, used to promote vigorous leaf and stem growth.
• Humic Acid: An organic substance found in soil conditioners that improves soil structure and nutrient uptake.

• Inorganic Fertilizer: Synthetic fertilizers created through chemical processes, often providing nutrients in highly concentrated forms.
• Iron Deficiency: A common nutrient deficiency in grass, resulting in yellowing leaves (chlorosis) due to insufficient iron availability.

• Lawn Starter Fertilizer: A fertilizer with higher phosphorus content, designed to promote root development in new lawns or seeded areas.
• Liquid Fertilizer: A fertilizer in liquid form that is sprayed onto lawns for rapid nutrient absorption.

• Macronutrients: Essential nutrients required in large amounts, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).
• Micronutrients: Nutrients required in small quantities for plant health, such as iron, zinc, copper, and manganese.
• Mulch Fertilizing: The practice of leaving grass clippings on the lawn to decompose and return nutrients to the soil.

• Nitrogen (N): An essential nutrient that promotes lush, green, and healthy grass growth.
• N-P-K Ratio: The percentage of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in a fertilizer blend.
• Nitrate: A water-soluble form of nitrogen that is readily available for plant uptake.

• Organic Fertilizer: Fertilizers made from natural materials such as compost, manure, or bone meal.
• Overapplication: Using too much fertilizer, which can harm grass and contribute to water pollution.

• Phosphorus (P): A macronutrient that supports strong root development and overall plant health.
• Potassium (K): A nutrient that enhances stress resistance and disease tolerance in grass.
• Pre-Emergent Fertilizer: A type of fertilizer combined with herbicides to prevent the growth of weeds before they sprout.

• Quick-Release Fertilizer: A fertilizer that dissolves rapidly, delivering nutrients immediately but with a shorter duration of effect.

• Residual Fertilizer: Nutrients that remain in the soil after the initial application and are available for future use by plants.
• Root Zone: The area of soil surrounding grass roots where fertilizers are applied for maximum uptake.

• Slow-Release Fertilizer: Fertilizer designed to release nutrients over an extended period, reducing the risk of burn and minimizing the need for frequent applications.
• Soil Amendment: Any material added to soil to improve its texture, nutrient content, or water retention.
• Starter Fertilizer: A fertilizer high in phosphorus used to promote root establishment in new grass seed or sod.

• Topdressing: Applying a thin layer of compost, soil, or fertilizer over an existing lawn to improve its condition.
• Turf Builder: A type of fertilizer marketed for thickening grass and improving its overall health.

• Urea: A nitrogen-rich fertilizer that is widely used due to its affordability and high nitrogen content.
• Urease Inhibitor: A chemical additive used in fertilizers to slow the breakdown of urea, improving nitrogen efficiency.

• Variable Rate Application: A precision application method that adjusts fertilizer rates based on soil or grass conditions.

• Water-Soluble Fertilizer: Fertilizer that dissolves easily in water and is applied as a liquid for rapid nutrient delivery.
• Weed and Feed: A combination product containing fertilizer and herbicide to nourish grass and kill weeds simultaneously.

• Zeolite: A natural mineral sometimes included in fertilizers to improve nutrient retention and reduce leaching.