MANURING LAWNS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20619, 18 July 1930, Page 18

MANURING LAWNS.

TENNIS AND GOLF. AN EXPERT'S METHODS. Mr. C. 11. Redhead, golf architect, ltotorua, writes:—l«ogarding your recent article on manuring lawns L would beg to point out that in tho first place, the chemical condition of a soil is tlie chief governing factor determining tho genus of grasses growing therein —irrespective of tho physical constitution of such soil (i.e., whether it he of a sandy, gravelly, loamy or clayey nature). Tho continued use of sulphate of ammonia tends to mako the soil acid and encourages the finer-growing grasses, such as Chewing's Fescue and Brerin Top (Agrostis Tenuis). Nitrate of soda, although supplying nitrogen is an alkaline reacting fertiliser, and will encourage clovers and. the coarser grasses, which thrive on an alkaline or neutral soil. Also a slight excess of potash especially encourages tho top and bulbous-rooted weeds. Complete Fertilisers for Lawns. A complete fertiliser is often of bonefit in early spring and autumn. One consisting of six parts sulphate of ammonia, threo parts super, and two parts muriato of potash, mixed with a proportion of sand or loainv soil to give it bulk is quite a good fertiliser. For established greens or lawns it is often advisable to heavily scratch rake and then cut. Obtain some clean, wellscreened loamy soil and incorporate therewith 51b. of sulphate of ammonia for every 1000 square feet of lawn to lie dressed. Broadcast on and then rub in with the back of a rake, a cubic yard of soil is sufficient to do from 4000 to 5000 square feet. Tho compost of loamy soil will supply all tho phosphorus and potassium necessary. Cutting and Rolling. Do not cut your grass too short. It is often not necossary to cut with a box on, and do not over roll. Avoid tho use of heavy rollers, and do not roll when the ground is wet or soft. For those who cannot obtain compost: (1) Wait for a rainy tiny, (2) when it. comes put a tumbler full of sulphate of ammonia in the usual three gallon watering can and fill with water; (3) sprinkle this over a patch of lawn, about 10ft. square and repeat tho operation until you have covered the whole of the area desired. A table glassful of sulphate of ammonia weighs about half-a-pound, so this amount applied to 100 square feet is at tho rate of 51b. per 1000 square feet. There is one serious disadvantage to this plan: You cannot apply it when you please, but must wait for a rainy day. Still, we are apt to have frequent rains in spring and autumn so this is the best and safest time to apply your ammonium sulphate.