2/28/2023 - By Scott Parker

*This article was written just weeks before the major winter storm, unofficially named "Winter Storm Olive" by The Weather Channel, impacted the western, midwestern, and northeastern United States. As you'll see below, Harrell's Sales Director, Scott Parker tempted fate with his comment about Mother Nature and her tricks.*

Many turf managers in the north are currently asking themselves, “Where is Winter?” We’re already in February and most areas in the northern region have no frost on the ground. It’s been unseasonably warm, wet, and the part I hate the most is there’s been virtually no sunshine! I’m sure Mother Nature has some tricks up her sleeve and will deliver a cold blast of weather just in time for the end of winter, but it’s been a slow start for sure. After a long 2022, I hope you’ve had some time to rest and recharge yourselves for the start of this growing year.

That said, as you are in your office thinking about the upcoming season, programs, fertilization, etc., I want to highlight a few considerations to keep in mind about early season fertility and Harrell’s POLYON® controlled-release fertilizer.

Early Season Considerations

If you’re looking for a great way to encourage spring green-up through foliar applications, check out our Start Your Engines blog. It will help you by outlining an early-season foliar program designed to promote quick greening and plant health. If you’re considering long-term feeding, POLYON® fertilizer is very flexible. Using our proprietary POLYGRAPH® software, your Harrell’s rep can meet with you and custom blend anything you’re looking for.

From early-season green-up to season-long release, we’ve got you covered. And just like every turf is different for each golf course, they’re also different from climate to climate. Here are a few things to think about when spring fertilizing in the north.

Spring Fertilization in the North

We recently conducted a study at Michigan State University to evaluate blends of quick-release and controlled-release nitrogen to encourage uniform spring green-up and long-lasting turf color. To promote rapid, even green-up under cooler conditions we recommend including 0.35 – 0.5 lbs. of soluble nitrogen along with your spring POLYON® fertilizer application—especially if your turf was lean going into winter.

Both urea and Anuvia Green TRX™ were evaluated in the Michigan State trial—with Anuvia Green TRX™ providing superior upfront greening (Figure 1). Under cool conditions, urea may not rapidly convert to plant-available forms of nitrogen, limiting its effectiveness during cool spring temperatures.

Figure 1. Turf color response and POLYON® 41-0-0 mini release, May - August 2020, East Lansing, MI. Turf Color was rated on a 1-9 scale with 1 representing brown turf and 9 representing dark green turf. Weekly nitrogen release was described using Harrell's proprietary POLYGRAPH® software which predicts POLYON® nutrient release based on location and 30 years of historical weather data.

If you’re looking for a blend with nitrogen release throughout spring, into the early summer months, consider incorporating POLYON® 43-0-0 mini into your blend. Alternatively, if you’re looking for greater longevity of release and to apply supplemental fertility with foliar nitrogen, iron, and manganese, our thicker coated POLYON® 41-0-0 mini may be a better option.

Your Harrell’s Rep is Here to Help Throughout the Season

As previously stated, one of the most significant benefits of POLYON® fertilizer is its flexibility and ability to deliver exactly what you are looking for. Excess cart traffic and less labor were both big issues to contend with last year and most likely will be more of the same this year. So, as you are planning your nutritional plan for this season, think about these options as an efficient way to provide season-long nutrition, and reach out to your local Harrell’s Rep if you have any questions or need planning tips for your turf.

Stay warm for any more cold days between now and spring and take time to care for yourself. Spring will be here before we know it and the hectic, crazy times will come along with it! As always, all of Harrell’s sincerely appreciates all of you and are very fortunate to be able to work alongside you.