What is Starter Lawn Fertilizer?

Typical lawn fertilizer contains three primary macronutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. However, the spread of these nutrients are difficult to absorb for seedlings with limited root systems. Starter fertilizer is a condensed form of fertilizer, generally in a liquid form, applied to soil in close proximity to the seedling root system. This allows for easy nutrient absorption and lush lawn development.

Why use starter fertilizer?

According to the Penn State University website, plants or grass planted in the early spring or late fall require starter fertilizer because of wet and cold soil conditions. The closer nit nutrients in starter fertilizer are easier for plants to obtain in wet, cold soil conditions. Starter fertilizer promotes rapid lawn growth in the early spring growing season.

What are the primary nutrients found in starter fertilizer?

Starter fertilizers, unlike regular fertilizers, contain high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, but not potassium. Nitrogen helps grass obtain nutrients for lush green growth. Nitrogen promotes hardy seedling growth, which in addition to lush growth helps prevent disease and insect damage. Plants use the phosphorus nutrient for photosynthesis, which is a process where plants convert sunlight into energy or food. According to the Penn State University website, phosphorus is not mobile in soil, but is vital for root growth. Starter fertilizer concentrates phosphorus near the limited root system of seedlings for healthy, fast growth.

Application

Any type of fertilizer that contains high nitrogen and phosphorus levels with limited to no potassium can be used as starter fertilizer. Home improvement and lawn and garden stores sell liquid fertilizer labeled as starter fertilizer. Liquid starter fertilizer is easy to apply and concentrates on the area of application. However, any fertilizer with the proper nutrients works as starter fertilizer if applied near the root system. However, this can be difficult with lawn grass because of the coverage area and the uneven spread of fertilizer spreaders.

Is there a big difference between regular and starter fertilizers?

Whether you need regular or starter fertilizer for your lawn depends on the type of grass seed. Cool season grasses that can grow in the early spring months grow best with starter fertilizer because the grass seedlings can better obtain nutrients. However, warm season grasses sprout later in the season, where nutrients are easier to obtain for seedlings because of the warm and dry soil conditions. Deciding to use starter fertilizer depends on your budget, grass seed and location. However, starter fertilizer does promote rapid growth, which is a benefit for most homeowners.

Sources:

http://cropsoil.psu.edu/extension/facts/agfact51.pdf

http://soil.gsfc.nasa.gov/soilfert/npk.htm