The following are typical fertilizers that can be used to satisfy potassium requirements. To determine how much nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium the fertilizer you choose applies, use our Fertilizer Calculator.

1. "Winterizer" Fertilizer (N:K₂O ratios 1:0.3 up to 1:0.6)
   1. Sample analysis: 32-0-10, 22-0-14, 22-0-10
   2. For example, one application of a 22-0-14 fertilizer (based on 1 lb. N/1000 ft.²/application rate) delivers approximately 0.7 lbs. K₂O/1000 ft.².
   3. Advantages: Applying the 22-0-14 fertilizer four times per year would meet the K recommendation for a soil test value 50 ppm K. For soil test values between 60-120 ppm K, fewer applications would be needed.
   4. Disadvantages: May not be available in stores year-round.

OR

2. Muriate of Potash (KCl: 0-0-60 to 0-0-62) and Potassium sulfate (0-0-50 to 0-0-52)
   1. These fertilizers are potassium sources only (no nitrogen, no phosphorus).
   2. For K soil test values less than 50 ppm these sources are the best choice for meeting K recommendations.
   3. Advantages: Fewest applications to meet recommended K rates in a single season. Can be applied in combination with nitrogen only fertilizers or low K analysis fertilizers to meet K recommendations.
   4. Disadvantage: May not be readily available at all stores, can burn turf at high application rates or during hot weather. (To minimize burning potential maximum single application rate is 1.0 lb. K₂O or 0.83 lb. K/1000 ft.², irrigation should be applied following application.)

OR

3. Common Lawn Fertilizer
   1. Sample analysis: 32-0-4, 29-0-5, 20-0-5, 30-0-3
   2. These products may be used to meet K recommendations when soil K test values are between 80-120 ppm but multiple applications will be required over several years.
   3. For example, a 32-0-4 fertilizer would require 4 applications/yr. over 3 yrs. to meet the recommended rate of 1.6 lbs. K₂O for the 80 ppm K soil test level.
   4. Advantage: Readily available year round.
   5. Disadvantage: Numerous applications per year for 3 years.

Organic matter in your soil is 7.5%. Your soil has an adequate level of organic matter and no further actions need to be taken. To maintain organic matter in this range make sure to return clippings to the lawn. Organic matter is a source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium so you may be able to eliminate a fertilizer application and maintain adequate turfgrass quality and density.

No lime needed.

No adjustment of the soil pH is necessary. Most lawns grow fine at a soil pH of 6.0 and above

Nitrogen fertilization programs have been separated according to maintenance requirements and expectations for the lawn.

High maintenance situations are considered to be where a high quality, uniform, dense lawn is desired and an irrigation system is available.

The medium maintenance situation is for most general lawn areas where no supplemental irrigation will be applied, but the intention is to optimize turf growth for quality and density.

The low maintenance situation is intended for lawn areas where the lowest level of input to maintain turfgrasses for a stable surface is desired.

Recommendations for the amount of nitrogen and time of application for each maintenance level (low, medium, high) are listed below in the Timing Chart.

Home Lawn Fertilization Timing Chart

Pounds of Nitrogen Per 1000 ft.² of Lawn