On Fri, 9 Feb 2007 12:10:58 -0800, "Walter R."
wrote:

I live in Southern California. In anticipation of promised rain, I applied
400 lbs of fertilizer (15-15-15 granules) to the iceplant and shrubs on my 1
acre lot.

The rains did not materialize and there is no rain in sight for the next 2
weeks. Now the fertilizer granules sit on top of the ground. Do the granules
release the nitrogen into the air without exposure to rain?

No, the nitrogen, potash, and phosphorous are salts that do not
sublime nor lose their effectiveness. This is particularly true of
inorganic fertilizers.

Like
sublimation?

IOW, should I re-apply the fertilizer if and when it looks like rain gain?
For how long is the fertilizer good if left on top of the ground,

Do not consider reapplying fertilizer until another season or at least
rains a dozen times. It is hard to say how long the fertilizer stays
put without a watchful eye. Soil test kits are reasonably priced. It
is often a good idea to alternate inorganic with natural (organic)
fertilizers.