Which fertilization practice is improper when establishing new turf stands?

• A. Fertilize new stands with nitrogen but not potassium.
• B. Fertilize new stands with potassium but not nitrogen.
• C. Do not fertilize new stands at all.
• D. Apply all three nutrients N, P, and K equally to new stands.

Answer: (A)

Fertilization during turf establishment should support both above-ground growth and a healthy, deep root system. Nitrogen is important to push new growth and green-up, but potassium is essential for root development, water regulation, and stress tolerance. Applying nitrogen without potassium creates an imbalance: you get rapid top growth while the roots don’t establish well, leaving the stand vulnerable to drought, disease, and poor overall persistence. Therefore, providing nitrogen without potassium is improper for new stands. In practice, use a starter fertilizer that supplies N along with P and K (as soil tests allow), so establishment benefits from balanced nutrition rather than only lush foliage.