What is the purpose of applying fertilizer to young turfgrass according to the cultural control method?

Applying fertilizer to young turfgrass serves multiple purposes, one of which is to enhance the light color and density of the grass. Fertilizers supply essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are critical for early plant development. By enriching the soil with these nutrients, the grass can achieve a lush, vibrant green color, indicating healthy growth and adequate nutrient uptake.

Additionally, the improved density resulting from fertilization helps the grass establish a strong root system and develop a thick canopy, which can effectively crowd out weeds and resist diseases. Dense turf is more visually appealing and offers better wear tolerance, making it crucial for establishing young grass. While increasing growth rate, making grass taller, and preventing drought stress are also considerations in turf management, the primary cultural control benefit of fertilizing young turfgrass focuses on promoting a dense, healthy appearance.