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The most important application of the year? 
Welcome fellow Lawn Addicts to another instalment of “The Fulcrum”. 
No better option for this time of year.
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For most of us managing turf, properly setting up our turf for winter, or “winterising”, our warm-season grasses is essential to setting up a successful growing season. This process begins by understanding the needs of our grasses as they enter the cooler months and proactively supplying the right nutrients.
Our goal is to provide just enough nitrogen to encourage a final, mild flush of growth—without triggering fungal issues. At the same time, we need to acknowledge that warm season grasses are naturally weaker during this period. To help them withstand the stress, we incorporate a slightly higher amount of potassium to enhance plant strength and resilience.

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This is not just relevant for our warm season grasses, however. Potassium is also essential for our cool season grasses. This is due to potassium's role in: 
  • Carbohydrate production, transport and storage, allowing the grass to utilise the food we give it.
  • Amino acid and protein synthesis, allowing the grass to further grow.
  • Aids in the regulation of transpiration (opening and closing of the stomata) which allows the plant to cool itself.
  • Enzyme production and function, potassium is an essential component of plant metabolism and hormone related biological processes. It activates various enzymes involved in photosynthesis. And aids in the making and transportation of plant hormones.
  • Strengthens the “Guard Cells” that surround the pores (Stomata) of the leaf which often is the entry point of harmful pathogens causing disease.
Potassium is the second most utilised nutrient, behind nitrogen. Although it doesn't physically contribute to the biology of the turf, it does play a vital role in helping it with the above-mentioned biological processes. 
 

If you are wanting to take your lawn to the next level, here is the link to our fully personalised superintendent program.

Next instalment.
Maintaining our warm season grasses during winter
 
Got questions? Get them in via the button below.
 
 
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Unit 14 7-9 Douro St
North Geelong, Victoria 3215, Australia

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