BENEFITS OF HOMOGENEOUS AND CONTROLLED RELEASE FERTILIZERS

WHAT TYPES OF FERTILIZERS ARE THERE?

Turfgrass managers have basically three dry fertilizers to choose from, (1) homogeneous pelleted fertilizers which have excellent uniformity; (2) blends of two or three homogeneous pelleted fertilizers that contain different plant food nutrients which are nearly as uniform as 100% homogeneous pellets; (3) granular bulk blend fertilizers which are a non-uniform mixture of several different materials and are subject to segregation and uneven application. When thinking about which one provides the best value in regard to its benefits, homogeneous pelleted fertilizers, especially with a controlled release coating, will probably provide the best advantages for you and your business, and reduce the overall cost of your operation.

 

WHAT IS CONTROLLED RELEASE

Polymer Coated Fertilizers (PCF), such as BEST’s own GAL-XeONE®, are advanced, controlled-release fertilizers specifically designed to meet the precise feeding requirements of turfgrasses and plants. These technologies feature an ultra-thin polymer coating to gradually provide a complete and precise release of nutrients. The products have an extremely tough, durable coating to withstand fracturing, even during severe handling, blending, or application operations. There is no premature release due to fractured coatings and no hot water insolubles remaining unreleased. Just controlled, complete release when needed.

 

HOW DOES CONTROLLED RELEASE LIKE GAL-XeONE® WORK?

PCFs such as GAL-XeONE® release nutrients by osmotic diffusion - the constant, gradual diffusion of nutrients through the polymer coating. The thickness of the applied coating controls the rate of osmotic diffusion. Osmotic diffusion rates increase as soil temperatures increase and decrease. The osmotic release mechanism is essentially unaffected by varying amounts of soil moisture, microbes, or pH levels, assuring a more predictable release pattern.

 

HOW HOMOGENEOUS AND CONTROLLED RELEASE FERTILIZERS PROVIDE A BENEFIT TO YOUR BUSINESS

When looking at fertilizers, it is important to look at the overall long-term cost savings, rather than the price tag in front of you. The benefits of homogeneous and controlled release pellets make these a better option within your fertilization program over a standard granular blend fertilizer. Below are some of the most significant  advantages of these types of fertilizers:

  1. Uniformity

It is often very difficult to achieve uniform distribution of granular blends. A non-uniform application can be very frustrating and unsightly on turfgrass and extremely devastating on the intensely managed turfgrass of golf course greens and fairways. With granular blends, heavier particles will often separate to the bottom or edges when stored or transferred. Also, when applying these blends, the spinner tends to throw more dense, heavy particles a greater distance than the less dense, lighter particles.

Although a granular blend fertilizer bag may seem more economical, the quality of the homogeneous fertilizer will provide greater uniform distribution. This uniformity provides the nutrients to be balanced throughout the turfgrass and reduces the likelihood of areas with nutrient deficiencies.

  1. Improvement of Nutrient Uptake

Research has shown that the maximum influence of nitrogen occurs when nitrogen and phosphate are intimately associated together. This chemical combination is found only in homogeneous pellets or high-quality pellet blends, such as BEST® homogeneous fertilizers. If the nitrogen is separated from the phosphorus by as much as two inches, there can be up to 50% reduction in phosphorus uptake by the plant. The agronomic advantage is called Nutrient Interaction. Likewise, there is a positive interaction between nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur in increasing the availability and efficiency of each of these critical turfgrass nutrients.

  1. Correct Nutrient Timing

In addition to improved nutrient uptake thanks to the homogeneous pellet, a controlled release coating, such as GAL-XeONE®, will ensure that these nutrients are released to the plant as they need it. This helps take the guesswork out of when to properly apply fertilizer throughout the year, which in turn could reduce costs of overfertilization. In addition, the coating helps reduce the impacts of leaching, volatilization, and denitrification because the nutrients are delivered properly.

  1. Storage and Transfer Savings

The controlled release of the nutrients provided in each bag allows you to better manage what you need each year and store less. Because the nutrients are slowly released throughout the season, you won’t need to make as many applications as you would with non-controlled release fertilizers, which would take up more space or involve more transfers of product to your location. This results in cost savings from transport and storage, which can then be used to improve other areas within your business.

  1. Labor Savings

As mentioned above, because the nutrients are slowly released throughout the season, applying a homogeneous fertilizer with controlled-release will allow fewer physical applications of fertilization. Instead of doing multiple applications at different times, using a controlled-release fertilizer provides you with one application for the proper nutrients release throughout the season. Because of this, you have the opportunity to save time from labor costs that would otherwise be used to apply fertilizer.

 

SUMMARY

Although the cost of regular granular blend fertilizer can seem less expensive, you get what you pay for. Homogeneous and controlled-release fertilizers provide you with uniformity and improved nutrient uptake, while also helping improve transfer, storage, and labor costs. BEST® offers a wide range of homogenous fertilizers and controlled-release technology from our very own GAL-XeONE®. To learn about the variety of homogeneous fertilizers and controlled released products available for you, contact your local BEST® sales rep.