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Do Grass Seeds Germinate When Nitrogen Levels Are Too High?

Lawn seeds germinate when weather conditions are favorable: when temperatures are within 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, when soil is moist and when the planting depth is within 1/4 inch of the soil surface. These optimum conditions will trigger the biological mechanism that initiates germination. Once the seed begins to germinate, the prevailing soil conditions will affect its growth rate and productivity. High nitrogen levels damage developing grass and in some circumstances may interfere with germination.

  1. Seeding Application

    • Nitrogen is one of the three major nutrients lawns require for optimum growth. Potassium and phosphorous, the other two nutrients, are responsible for root development and disease resistance. Nitrogen leaches from soil during heavy irrigation and rainfall. It is also taken in by plants and microorganisms in the soil. Because of this, soil tests will not give precise nitrogen readings. Instead, general recommendation are used for initial nitrogen applications. Apply a half-pound of nitrogen fertilizer per 1,000 square feet of lawn area during the seeding process. Rake the fertilizer into the soil so it is incorporated into the top inch of soil. This nitrogen will help promote leaf and shoot development during the same time as phosphorous and potassium encourage root growth. Monitor your lawn for signs and symptoms of nitrogen deficiencies or excess.

    Nitrogen-Rich Fertilizers

    • Nitrogen promotes leaf and shoot development. When nitrogen levels are high, leaf and shoot development progresses at a faster rate than root development. This leads to the potential for weak root systems and increases a lawn's susceptibility to disease. Newly seeded lawns should receive supplemental phosphorous and potassium, in amounts recommended by soil test results. Nitrogen rich fertilizers are applied after the lawn's first mowing, usually within 12 weeks of seeding.

    Soil Tests

    • Submit soil samples to a soil testing agency, such as your university extension, before seeding your lawn. Soil tests will help to determine the best type of seed for your growing conditions and will also provide you with recommendations for fertilizers and soil amendments. Two main nutrients, phosphorous and potassium, are fixed in soil. Their levels remain fairly constant regardless of irrigation, plant growth and season. Most soil tests will advise you of phosphorous and potassium deficiencies. This is important when seeding lawns as these nutrients are vital to seedling development.

    Considerations

    • Ammonium based fertilizers are quick-acting and have the potential for damaging germinating seeds. Turf fertilizers, however, release nitrogen slowly. This type of fertilizer will help young seedlings mature but will not damage seeds during the germinating stage.

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Lawn Planting
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