Question
Hi Charlotte.
When I moved into my new house several years ago, I the back yard had no grass so I seeded it with Bermuda....over and over and over. The builder had never laid down any top soil and the soil had lots of clay. I finally have arrived at something that passes for grass, but there are still some bare spots where the grass doesn't want to grow. I have put down some liquid fish emulsion via the hose last week  and am planning to do it again when two weeks have passed (per the instructions). I've been reading your questions and answers about using sugar. If I understand what I read, I can put down sugar even though I recently used the fish emulsion. I'll be interested in your input. Do you have a web site? If so, will you please send the web address? Thanks. Susan

Answer
Susan,   If I may chime in on this topic:
The use of compost takes a lot more effort and, probably, expense, than fish emulsion.  It is, however, a safe solution.
Generally, speaking, composts which are mature and made from conventional wastes carry little to no harmful toxins for turf or plants.  A high quality compost may be applied at less than one cubic yard per thousand square feet (as one would put confectioner's sugar on a cake.)  Lower quality composts may be applied at one yard per thousand sq. ft. topdressed over the existing lawn. That application will be approximately 3/8" thick.  Apply each year in either spring or fall for bermuda.  Most composts will also need some additional nitrogen.
Low quality composts should not be used for this purpose, but for soil amendment tilled in.
There are several makers of composts in North Carolina who make good material.  I am sure that other states have sources also for bulk delivery.
I have little experience with fish emulsion or sugar.  They could not be used on commercial sites.