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A Spreadsheet-Based Calculator for Lawn Fertilizer and Lime Applications in Virginia - Workbook

ID

SPES-40A

Authors as Published

Chantel Wilson, Assistant Professor and 4-H STEAM Extension Specialist, College of Agriculture, Virginia State University, and Michael Goatley Jr., Professor & Extension Specialist, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech (first published November 2018, last reviewed December 2023)

This publication is available in an Excel Worksheet only.

Fertilizing a lawn can seem like a difficult and confusing task, especially for a new homeowner or individuals without turfgrass management experience. When fertilizers and lime are used properly, they can help to remedy nutrient deficiencies, improve plant appearance, stimulate plant growth, and improve stress tolerance in lawns. Improper fertilizer use can damage plants, promote diseases, or pollute water resources such as groundwater, lakes, streams, and rivers. This publication and the complementary spreadsheet is designed to help you determine the type of turfgrass you have, if fertilizer or lime applications are needed, what kind/how much fertilizer or lime to buy, when to make applications, and how much to apply during each application. This publication is intended for granular or dry (not liquid) fertilizer or lime applications to established turfgrass areas, using information from Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Soil Testing Laboratory in Blacksburg, VA.


Virginia Cooperative Extension materials are available for public use, reprint, or citation without further permission, provided the use includes credit to the author and to Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Publication Date

December 5, 2023