Excess Nitrate Nitrogen in the Soil Cancel The title field is required!

1. Christopher Sorrell

   

   0 posts
   
   7/17/2014 8:07 AM

   I am having a problem with an excessive amount of nitrate nitrogen in my putting green soil. Soil test results are at 84 ppm when it should be in the 40 to 20 range. My real concern is that this is not changing. I have been on the course for a bit more than 1 year and have been told that my predecessor used a lot of slow release methylene urea ferts. Due to the high nitrate counts that soil tests have shown me since i first arrived i have relied on ammonium sulfate applications aiming to bring the nitrate # down. I have only used a small amount of slow release ferts during the winter months. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions about this situation?

   
   
   
   
2. Canedo Alberto J

   
   7/17/2014 9:07 AM

   I would try to use Humic Acid (Hydra Hume) to help make all unavailable nutrients available to the plant. That is what I have done in the past and use Humic Acid every week and anytime I spray any fertilizer or fungicide on greens and tees.

   
   
   
   
3. Christopher Sorrell

   

   0 posts
   
   7/17/2014 11:07 AM

   I am currently applying a humic acid product on a weekly basis. That is part of my frustration. Thought I would be seeing some reduction by now.

   
   
   
   
4. Wahlin Scott B

   
   7/17/2014 11:07 AM

   Could the soil test be showing MU as available nitrate nitrogen? In that case some of that MU may not be available for years.

   
   
   
   
5. Graham Kornmeyer

   

   0 posts
   
   7/17/2014 5:07 PM

   Christopher Sorrell said: I am having a problem with an excessive amount of nitrate nitrogen in my putting green soil. Soil test results are at 84 ppm when it should be in the 40 to 20 range. My real concern is that this is not changing. I have been on the course for a bit more than 1 year and have been told that my predecessor used a lot of slow release methylene urea ferts. Due to the high nitrate counts that soil tests have shown me since i first arrived i have relied on ammonium sulfate applications aiming to bring the nitrate # down. I have only used a small amount of slow release ferts during the winter months. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions about this situation?

   
   
   The nitrification cycle in the soil turns Ammonia into Nitrate, so by applying AMS you really aren't doing anything to lower NO3 levels.
   
   I would try opening channels through the organic material, using a penetrant, and flushing weekly.

   
   
   
   
6. James Schmid

   

   1 posts
   
   7/17/2014 11:07 PM

   Christopher Sorrell said: I am having a problem with an excessive amount of nitrate nitrogen in my putting green soil. Soil test results are at 84 ppm when it should be in the 40 to 20 range. My real concern is that this is not changing. I have been on the course for a bit more than 1 year and have been told that my predecessor used a lot of slow release methylene urea ferts. Due to the high nitrate counts that soil tests have shown me since i first arrived i have relied on ammonium sulfate applications aiming to bring the nitrate # down. I have only used a small amount of slow release ferts during the winter months. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions about this situation?

   
   
   Stop your nitrogen inputs altogether until you see a visual response in the turf.

   
   
   
   
7. T Storie

   

   0 posts
   
   7/18/2014 9:07 AM

   Chris:
   I was the grow-in superintendent for the links course that is adjacent to your property. It has been about 15 years since being there. But I do remember the soil being on the alkaline side regarding ph. Don't really remember what specific value it was, since everywhere I have been since has had low ph issues. I remember plant response was remarkable with most any type of ammonium sulfate during grow-in, and I left after only 9 months there. I am not sure what effect higher than neutral ph has on Nitrogen, but I suspect it may have influenced your predecessors actions at that time.
   
   Good Luck. Jr Storie

   
   
   
   
8. Keith Fellenstein

   

   0 posts
   
   7/18/2014 10:07 AM

   Sorry to reiterate, but stop N inputs, punch holes, and flush if possible. In addition, make sure you are on a good regulation program (higher than normal) and stay on it during the growing season. Keep an eye on the K and Ca inputs, need more than typical is probably the case.