In Maryland turf management, fertilizer nitrogen should be avoided under which condition?

• A. When the ground is frozen or snow-covered, and after September 1
• B. When temperatures are above 90F
• C. When pests are present
• D. Only on sandy soils

Answer: (A)

The key idea is applying nitrogen only when the turf can use it efficiently and without risking environmental loss. When the ground is frozen or snow-covered, roots are inactive and water movement in the soil is limited; any nitrogen applied tends not to stay in the root zone and can be lost when the snow melts or with subsequent rainfall, increasing the chance of groundwater or surface-water contamination. After September 1, turf growth slows and plants don’t uptake nitrogen efficiently, so most of the fertilizer would be wasted or lost to leaching or runoff. This is why nitrogen should be avoided under those conditions.