A good-quality fertiliser is essential to keeping a buffalo lawn lush and healthy. However, there are so many types of buffalo lawn fertiliser options available on the shelves of garden centres that its pretty challenging for even a seasoned green thumb to decide which product is best for their buffalo grass.
The difference between organic and conventional fertilisers is one of the most apparent distinctions. Each type of product has advantages and disadvantages, and knowing which to use on your lawn takes some knowledge of how fertilisers operate and the nutrients that all plants require.
Organic fertilisers are particularly popular among home gardeners due to the numerous soil advantages they may give but are organic truly the best choice for your buffalo grass? If you’re considering converting to organic fertilisers this season, here’s everything you need to know.
What is Organic Buffalo Grass Fertiliser?
Organic fertilisers are a chemical-free combination of naturally occurring mineral sources, such as animal waste, including meat processing waste, manure, slurry, as well as plant-based fertilisers, such as compost and biosolids.
Seaweed solutions, chicken manure, fish emulsions, and compost are viable possibilities. When these organic components decompose, a steady release of nutrients is given to your grass. High-quality organic fertilisers contain various extra elements such as Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, and Sulphur, which will provide a healthy supply of nourishment for your grass.
Is Organic Better than In-Organic?
As long as organic and conventional fertilisers are used appropriately, they are both safe for buffalo lawns and the environment. Because the mechanism by which plants absorb nutrients is the same whether they come from organic or inorganic fertiliser – it makes no difference to the grasses which type of fertiliser is used.
Plants can only absorb nutrients in certain ionic forms. For example, plants can only take up nitrogen in the form of nitrate (NO3-) or ammonium (NH4+) ions and potassium in the form of the potassium ion (K+). In addition, in-organic fertilisers deliver nutrients in this form, making nutrients instantly available to plants.
On the other hand, perennial grasses cannot consume all nutrients at once, and many are swiftly lost from the soil. This implies that unless you choose a slow-release in-organic fertiliser containing more than 50% water-insoluble nitrogen, you may need to fertilise MORE than once throughout the growth season.
Organicfertilisersmust be broken down by soil microorganisms for nutrients to be released in the proper form to absorb plant roots. Organic fertilisers, as a result, deliver nutrients over a more extended period!
Overall, organic fertilisers give better advantages to the soil, which inorganic fertilisers do not. However, the buyer needs to consider that organic is more costly and less concentrated pound for pound than inorganic fertilisers. Organic contributes to a healthier soil environment for plants by improving soil structure, increasing soil water holding capacity, and promoting the activity of crucial soil microbes over time.
What are the Advantages of Organic Buffalo Grass Fertiliser?
Many homeowners are choosing chemical-free organic lawn care to maintain their grass because organic fertilisers do not hold the potential to introduce potentially dangerous compounds into the soil and water.
As consumers become more mindful of the impact of their decisions on the environment, they discover just how advantageous organic buffalo lawn fertilisers really are, including the following benefits:
- Chemical exposure is reduced for you, your family, and your pets.
- There’s no need to stay off your lawn following treatment.
- If you apply too much, it won’t burn your lawn.
- Over time, it improves the condition of your soil and revitalises the ecology of your grass.
- No risk of chemical leaching from the soil into the groundwater.
What are the Disadvantages of Organic Buffalo Grass Fertilisers?
The most significant disadvantage of organic fertilisers is that the nutrient proportions are often not the same as grass requires for growth. However, many of these products contain significantly more phosphorus than lawns require.
However, when gardeners try to apply enough organic fertiliser to fulfil their lawn’s nitrogen demands, they frequently end up adding far more phosphorus than the grass can take. This can result in extremely high quantities of phosphorus in the soil over time. While excess phosphorus in the soil isn’t harmful to the grass, it can contaminate surface water when it flows off the landscape.
Phosphorus overabundance in water bodies can generate algal blooms, impairing water quality and aquatic animals. Therefore, have your soil tested to determine its pH and nutrient condition before using organic fertilisers in an effective and ecologically friendly manner.
In addition, some other disadvantages of organic lawn fertiliser include:
- Results may take more time and effort.
- There may be additional weeds.
- Grub infestations may be more common.
What Type of Organic Buffalo Grass Fertiliser Should I Use?
When it comes to organic lawn fertilisation, liquid and granular organic fertilisers are available:
- Granular
Organic fertilisers in granular form may be uniformly distributed on your grass. Granular applications are slower to adopt because they take longer to degrade; thus, they might endure for months. Slow-release fertilisers are better for your turf’s health since they provide a steady supply of nutrients rather than a sudden burst. Therefore, it’s critical to strive towards a soil pH and moisture level to allow the granules to break down and give nutrients effectively.
- Liquid
Liquid organic fertilisers have much to give your lawn a boost when it’s needed. Seaweed and fish emulsion are the two primary forms of the faster absorption rate. They are an excellent method of liquid organic fertilisers that aid in the recovery of stressed plants and can immediately enhance root development and leaf structure.
Seaweed (kelp) is the most common type of organic fertiliser, and it’s frequently mixed with other nutrients like iron and wetting agents. Seaweed has a variety of minerals that are beneficial to our lawns, including iodine, which aids in the prevention of grass disease. The best part about seaweed is that it stimulates microbial activity and improves soil conditions, which helps to avoid thatch build-up.
Carp and other by-products from fish oil manufacturing are commonly used in fish emulsions. Nutrients and vitamins in fish emulsions assist in enhancing soil quality and encouraging deeper grassroots. Fish emulsions are a terrific addition to your lawn in the early spring, but be sure to follow the application rates carefully, as overapplication can cause significant nitrogen burn to your grass.
Where Can I Buy Organic Fertilisers?
There are many factors to consider when shopping for the best grass fertiliser for your commercial or residential area, as the finest fertiliser for your lawn is tailored to your specific soil type. Locally made fertilisers have been tried and tested on local soils, so you can be confident that they will work effectively in your garden.
Whether you choose organic or non-organic, buying a buffalo grass fertiliser from a local company is more important, plus buying local saves you money since there are no shipping costs. You get to support your community (win, win!). You’ll have peace of mind knowing your buffalo grass is in good hands and ready to look its best all year.
