Calculating the pounds of fertilizer to apply – Turfgrass Science at Purdue University

Calculating the pounds of fertilizer to apply

There are literally thousands of fertilizers and fertilizer/pesticide combinations available to homeowners and professionals. Therefore, we can’t recommend how many pounds of fertilizer to apply, but rather we must recommend fertilization rates in pounds of nitrogen per thousand square feet or lbs N/1000ft 2 . Calculating the amount of fertilizer to purchase and apply is a two step process. Once you determine the fertilizer you want and the recommended rate of N/1000 ft 2 , it is then a two step process to determine how much of that fertilizer to purchase and apply to your specific turf area:

Step 1. Calculating the amount of fertilizer/1000 ft 2 :

Desired rate in lbs N 
1000 ft 2

÷

% nutrient

=

Total fertilizer needed 
1000 ft 2

 

 

 

 

 

Step 2. Calculating the amount of fertilizer to treat the entire turf area:

 

 

 

 

 

Total fertilizer needed 
1000 ft 2

X

Area to be treated in ft 2

=

lbs fertilizer needed to treat the area

 

For example, how much fertilizer do you need to apply a 16-8-8 fertilizer at 0.75 lbs N/1000 ft 2 to an 8000 ft 2 lawn?

Step 1. Calculating the amount of 16-8-8/1000 ft 2 :

0.75 lbs N 
1000 ft 2

÷

.16 N

=

4.69 lbs 16-8-8 
1000 ft 2

 

 

 

 

 

Step 2. Calculating the amount of 16-8-8 to treat the entire 8000 ft 2 turf area:

4.69 lbs 16-8-8 
1000 ft 2

X

8000 ft 2

 

37 lbs 16-8-8 needed to treat an 8000 ft 2 lawn

ou’ll need 37 pounds of 16-8-8 to treat the 8000 ft 2 lawn at 0.75 lbs N/1000 ft 2 . More information of choosing fertilizers, fertilization schedules, calibrating spreaders, and more can be found in AY-22: Fertilizing Established Lawns.


Share This Article
Disclaimer: Reference to products is not intended to be an endorsement to the exclusion of others which may have similar uses. Any person using products listed in these articles assumes full responsibility for their use in accordance with current directions of the manufacturer.
Turfgrass Science at Purdue University - Horticulture & Landscape Architecture, 625 Agriculture Mall, West Lafayette, IN 47907

© 2024 Purdue University | An equal access/equal opportunity university | Copyright Complaints | Maintained by Turfgrass Science at Purdue University

If you have trouble accessing this page because of a disability, please contact Turfgrass Science at Purdue University at ashbreed@purdue.edu | Accessibility Resources