Controlled-release fertilizers are coated fertilizers that consistently release nutrients throughout a specific period. The release rates are based on two important factors, coating thickness and temperature, with higher temperatures activating a faster release of nutrients. This slow-release system offers several practical benefits. These benefits include ease of use, reduced environmental impact, Reduced application costs, and improved transportation and storage. Below we dive into how these fertilizers can make your work easier and more efficient.
Ease of Use
These fertilizers are designed to give plants exactly what they need when they need it. This provides accurate nutrient effectiveness and helps you take the guesswork out of when to apply. With traditional fertilizers, you’re left guessing when and how often to apply. This multiple-application process makes it easier for mistakes to happen, which might cause overfertilization of nutrients. The proper amount of nutrients released when needed with a controlled-release product, minimizes this problem, ultimately reducing the costs of time and money on accidental overfertilization. In addition, because nutrients are constantly being supplied to the turf, grass color can stay consistent throughout.
Reduced Environmental Impact
If you or your business is looking to reduce their carbon footprint, then controlled release can be a great option to consider. This is because the fertilizer applied with controlled-release coatings contains exactly what is needed and nothing more. In addition, the coating helps to control nutrient release, reducing the chances of overapplication. This means fewer nutrients are wasted and more go where they’re needed, your plants.
Reduced Application Costs
With controlled-release fertilizers, you’ll save time and money on labor. Applying fertilizer can be a timely process that takes away from your more important tasks. The nutrients provided in a single application of a controlled-release fertilizer contain everything needed during the plant’s growth cycle. As a result, you will apply less than a traditional fertilizer, freeing up extra time and money for more important aspects needed to maintain landscape work. Additionally, the proper amount of nutrients provided by controlled-release fertilizers reduces the likelihood of turf growing too fast, ultimately decreasing the time needed for mowing.
Transportation and Storage Considerations
The controlled release of the nutrients 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 means lower storage and transport costs—leaving more room in your budget.
Final Thoughts
Controlled-release fertilizers save you time, money, and hassle—all while being kinder to the environment. BEST ® Fertilizer provides a handful of controlled-release products that provide all the benefits listed above. Ready to see how controlled-release fertilizers can work for you? Contact your local BEST® supplier or sales rep today.
