2/15/2024 - By Cort Hall

POLYON® controlled-release fertilizer is known as the premier fertilizer in the controlled-release space. In fact, turf managers depend on POLYON for its predictable release of nutrients, which we can estimate with our POLYGRAPH software. Applying fertilizer in the fall might sound taboo or as though you would be wasting good product in a season where the turf is not growing, but you can rest assured that it will only start releasing nutrients when the temperature is just right. 

Why Doesn’t POLYON Fertilizer Release in Dormancy?

POLYON controlled-release fertilizer’s nutrient release is based on temperature and not moisture level. Applying POLYON® fertilizer in the fall sets you up for a strong green-up in the spring as the fertilizer will lie dormant with the turf, only beginning nutrient release once the air temperature rises and the turf begins to wake up. When POLYON fertilizer wakes up with the turf, you do not have to worry about applying it at just the right time as spring begins. Instead, the fertilizer will already be there to provide consistent and measured feeding to coincide with the plant's physiological needs.

POLYON Fertilizer in Dormancy Story of Success

Harrell’s Territory Manager, Cort Hall, has been working with a few of his customers on the power of POLYON fertilizer in the dormant season. In the spring, he was able to follow up and report back with success stories as the lawns his customers treat came out of dormancy.

One highlight comes from Andrew Powell, founder of Advanced Turf Care, who regularly uses POLYON on the lawns he cares for, applying the controlled-release fertilizer before the dormant season in North Carolina.

Regarding POLYON and dormancy, Andrew has this to say, “I began applying POLYON to dormant warm season turf last year and found really nice results, the biggest being a faster green up, but I also think it’s more efficient. Lots of guys in the LCO space (including me) would begin applying pre-emergence for summer weed control this time of year, but what I learned was with our fall pre-emergence continued control through February and March, it was wasteful to reapply so early in the season.”

Andrew continues, “Cort helped me to understand that this time of year was a perfect opportunity to supply warm season turf with nutrients that would remain readily available to the turf during its transition to the growing season, one of the times the turf needs a steady supply of nutrients the most. Many of my customers commented on how their lawns were green before their neighbors, which is a great confirmation.

With the price of nitrogen having jumped in recent years, using it efficiently is extremely important. POLYON fertilizer provides a solution for that and helps remove one of the many variables that mother nature can throw our way. Applying POLYON during dormancy will now always be a part of Advanced Turf Care’s warm season turf management program.”

Why Choose POLYON Controlled-Release Fertilizer for Dormancy?

Controlled-release technology is not a new concept. It has existed and been used by many different companies for years. So, what makes POLYON fertilizer stand out among the rest? POLYON fertilizer’s success is due to its physical characteristics. Our Reactive Layer Coating and superior bonding properties create a tight adhesion between the coating and the inner nutrient substrate.

This type of adhesion ensures predictable release, superior prill durability with no cracks or premature releases, and consistent results even in the toughest conditions. These factors, combined with the nutrient blends within the fertilizer, provide consistent color, nutrients, and plant health all season long.

Following application, POLYON fertilizer will normally begin nutrient release within 1-2 weeks when not in the cold season. This makes it a great fertilizer product to apply in dormancy as it will not begin its nutrient release until spring green-up is in effect.

One more factor to consider is how long POLYON fertilizer can consistently provide your turf with proper nutrients. When your batch is blended, you can not only specify the levels of N, P, and K that go into each prill, but we can also adjust how thick the coating is. A thicker coating equals a longer release. Depending on coating thickness, POLYON can release nutrients over just a few weeks up to a release period that is over 6 months long.

Contact Your Harrell’s Rep for More Information

The best resource you have for formulating your custom blend of POLYON controlled-release fertilizer is your local Harrell’s representative. He or she will diagnose your turf’s nutritional needs, then walk you through the development of your custom blend, selecting the ideal release window by using our proprietary POLYGRAPH software. To learn more about POLYON fertilizer and talk about how it can improve your spring green-up now and in the future, reach out to your local Harrell's Representative.