The main course for turf is the fertilizer's Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium (N-P-K) formula. However, there's also a variety of secondary and micronutrients needed to keep turf healthy and growing: Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfur, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Copper, and Chlorine. Granular fertilizers can contain a blend of nutrient particles, as in LESCO PolyPlus, or each homogenous particle can be comprised of all the nutrients, as in LESCO NOVEX. LESCO PolyVex uses both approaches; it contains a blend of different nutrient particles and individual homogenous particle nutrients.

Microbial Action

Naturally occurring microorganisms act to breakdown the fertilizer elements into more basic compounds. Soil temperature affects the activity levels of micro-organisms; cold temperatures mean less activity and less breakdown, while warmer temperatures increase activity and breakdown.

Osmosis

Chemical elements will naturally move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. For example, the higher concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the fertilizer granule will slowly migrate to the less nutrient-rich soil.

Hydrolysis

Water interacts with the fertilizer, breaking down the compounds and releasing the nutrients into the soil.

Physical Breakdown

Mowing, foot traffic, and other physical handling of the fertilizer particles will cause nutrients to break down and be released into the soil for plant absorption.