It's February, spring is still a ways away. For the moment, the lawn is still dormant and does not want to be disturbed. However, when the temperatures are reliably above ten degrees despite the late winter, the tired green awakens from its winter sleep. For a lush green lawn in the following months, the grass now needs a comprehensive spring treatment.

A vital and fit lawn is well supplied from the start

A sufficient supply of nutrients and air in the microcosm of the foliage is of utmost importance, especially during the intensive growth period of the lawn. If there is a deficiency, less demanding competitor plants such as dandelions and mosses will quickly spread. To prevent this, in addition to the usual activities such as aeration, scarifying and liming, a fertilization strategy appropriate to the location should be developed and implemented immediately.

The right time for fertilizing depends on the soil

When to fertilize depends largely on the nature of the soil. While light and sandy soils, due to their low nutrient content, should be fertilized between March and April with the sprouting of the first small stalks, loamy-humic soils that have sufficient reserves can wait longer. Here, nutrient reserves are sufficient for the first sprouting, so fertilization is not needed until late May or even June, when the natural growth spurt subsides.

The right choice of fertilizer is crucial

The choice of fertilizer also depends on the soil. A soil analysis provides the necessary information about existing nutrient levels. Based on these values, the choice of fertilizer is made. If the soil shows a high nutrient deficiency, targeted mineral fertilizer may have to be used to ensure a rapid replenishment.

However, it is always more favorable to choose an organic fertilizer. Although organic fertilizers are slower acting, they release nutrients into the soil evenly and over a longer period of time. Organic fertilizers sustainably improve soil quality and are also harmless to insects, the soil, groundwater and all animals in the garden.

Important: If you choose to apply organic fertilizer, apply it a month early. These fertilizers need some time to work their magic.

In addition to the other nutrients, the most important thing to remember in the spring is sufficient nitrogen

In spring, it is especially important to ensure that the lawn has an adequate supply of nitrogen. Nitrogen ensures constant growth, lush foliage and good cell growth in the grasses. In addition, the need for phosphorus, magnesium and potassium are linked to the nitrogen supply. The lawn needs two-thirds of the annual nitrogen supply between March and June. The additional supply of iron to the lawn also leads to a significantly better constitution of the foliage and has proven its worth.

By the way, the more clover that grows on the lawn, the more likely it is that there is a nitrogen deficiency; clover is also a pointer plant for alkaline soil conditions.

Humic acids - fitness boost for your lawn

Optimally, you supplement the spring fertilization with a suitable humic acid preparation. A granulate such as PERLHUMUS® Granules stimulates soil life and improves the structure of the soil matrix. Especially on deficient sites, the result is clear: the lawn is healthier and more resistant to drought, heat stress and the unwanted appearance of competing plants. PERLHUMUS® Granules act primarily by stimulating soil life and as docking sites for fine roots. Here the granules form micro-hotspots for water and nutrients, especially in sandy soils. In interaction with the soil life and the increase in humus over time, root growth and the overall nutrient supply are improved. Combine this with a liquid preparation, such as HS®-300BIO, and your soil can pass on its full potential to your lawn.

The hormonal effect of humic acids reduces drought stress

Humic acids also have a positive effect on various metabolic processes such as photosynthesis and respiration. According to studies, their application improves photosynthetic performance, especially when it is limited by environmental stresses such as heat and drought stress. This reduces the damage caused by little rain in the spring months.

The particular benefit here is the hormonal effect of humic acids in the cells of the plant, which increases the production of antioxidants. During periods of persistent heat and drought, this usually decreases, leading to an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals in the leaves. The grass largely stops its growth and metabolic processes and runs the risk of dying.

If the production of antioxidants is stimulated by foliar application of humic acids, they can again contain the excess radicals and thus protect the plant. Good results are obtained with HUMICRAFT® Liquid, a liquid organic fertilizer based on potassium humate, algae extract and amino acids.

Humic acids act at various levels

Humic acids have many other positive effects on your green treasure. They naturally chelate the iron in the soil, which is important for chlorophyll formation, and make it much more available to plants. They also increase the uptake of micronutrients and fertilizers so that they can be used more efficiently and thus more sparingly.

Humic acids are therefore of elementary value in an integrated crop protection strategy that sustainably improves soil structure, builds up humus and protects the environment.