What are "recommended practices" for winter fertilizer applications?

The practice of applying fertilizer only when no rain is forecasted within 24 hours is a recommended approach for winter applications. This is important because rain shortly after application can lead to fertilizer runoff, which can contaminate water bodies and harm aquatic ecosystems. By ensuring that there is no rain forecasted within this period, the likelihood of the fertilizer being washed away from the target area is minimized, promoting better nutrient uptake by the plants and reducing environmental risk.

In contrast, applying during heavy snowfall or when the ground is frozen can limit the fertilizer's effectiveness, as it may not reach the soil when plants require nutrients. Furthermore, applying every two weeks during winter is not practical, as most plants are dormant and do not require frequent fertilization during this season. Therefore, the strategy of timing applications to avoid rain enhances both environmental protection and the effectiveness of the fertilizer applied.