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species having different nitrogen needs; 9) using varies with lower nitrogen needs (Smith, <br /> 1991). <br /> Smart use of fertilizer techniques, through soil testing,can reduce the potential for <br /> movement of applied nutrients in surface runoff or leaching. Soil testing is very important <br /> in assessing phosphorous and potassium needs, though it is inadequate to determine <br /> nitrogen needs. Soil tests should be done prior to turfgrass establishment and then on an <br /> annual basis until the soil nutrient levels become stabilized. After this time, the soils can be <br /> tested at 1-3 year intervals, with longer intervals for fine-textured soils such as at Buckeye <br /> Ranch. <br /> The risk of off-site movement of phosphorous and nitrogen by subsurface runoff is usually <br /> the result of application rates higher than would be recommended by soil tests. Since over- <br /> application of fertilizers does not correspond to improved plant yields,there is no reason to <br /> apply more than is needed. <br /> The timing of the application should correspond to the period of maximum nutrient uptake <br /> by the plants. <br /> The bulk of nitrogen lost in surface runoff is in the form of organic nitrogen associated <br /> with eroded soil. Good golf course management that reduces soil erosion will thereby <br /> reduce nitrogen runoff. <br /> Nitrogen leaching is greatest when concentrations of nitrates are highest in the root zone, <br /> during periods when overall leaching rates are highest, such as during major storm events. <br /> Nitrogen should therefore not be applied just before the fall and winter rain season. <br /> Buckeye Ranch Resource Plan (November, 1993) <br /> 230 <br />