Turf Response to Superferrite Fertilizer in Contrasting Soil Types

Abstract

Superferrite is marketed as a turf fertilizer in the United States, but there is limited information on its effectiveness or potential risks due to high zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) contents. A greenhouse study was conducted where hybrid bermudagrass and tall fescue, growing in a calcareous clay or acid sandy soil, and creeping bentgrass, growing in a putting green root zone mix, were fertilized with 0, 50, 100, and 150% the recommended rate of Superferrite fertilizer (73.4 g m⁻²). Bermudagrass and tall fescue clipping weights increased with Superferrite rate but root mass was not affected. Tissue iron (Fe) concentrations were mostly unaffected by Superferrite, but total Fe uptake, tissue Zn, and total Zn uptake increased with Superferrite rate. Increased yields were probably due to increasing nitrogen (N) applications rather than Fe or Zn. Small increases in Pb uptake with Superferrite applications suggest that Superferrite Pb had low bioavailability to turf.

Keywords:

• Superferrite
• ironite
• iron
• lead
• zinc
• turf
• calcareous
• putting green

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge Mary Ann Hegemann for her analytical support in the laboratory and Mary Jane Foster for her greenhouse assistance. This work was partially supported with a grant from the Ironite Products Corporation and by the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station (Project No. TEX03078).