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Turf grass will grow best when the pH level is between 6.0 and 7.0. Corrective materials can be added to the soil when pH levels are out of this range. If the soil is excessively acidic (below 5.5 pH), ground limestone or other liming materials can be added to the surface. For soil that is alkaline, acidifying materials such as elemental  sulfur or aluminum sulfate can be used to lower the pH. The status of phosphorus and potassium in the soil can easily be determined through soil  analysis. A soil test will point out the relative requirements of phosphorus and potassium needed for optimum turf grass growth. Consult the state turfgrass extension specialist to determine the proper fertilization rates for phosphorus and potassium. Most fertilizers are inorganic materials that are added to the soil and then taken up by plant roots. The three most important fertilizer elements are considered to be nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and are generally denoted by the NPK concentrations. Thus a 20-10-10 fertilizer contains by weight 20% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, 10% potassium. 

• Nitrogen will produce a dramatic improvement in the growth and appearance of the grass. The nitrogen level is the most important factor to keep in mind for developing a fertilizer program for turf. Slow release nitrogen fertilizers provide a continuous supply of usable nitrogen in turf over a long period of time. Quality Bluegrass lawn requires between three to five pounds of actual nitrogen per one thousand square feet per year. 
  
  
• Phosphorus has an important effect on turf grasses, particularly in rooting and reproduction. It promotes root growth and hastens maturity. 
  
  
• Potassium is an essential element to turfgrass that has been shown to promote root development, resistance to drought, heat, cold, disease and general wear.