Fertiliser and chemicals

Taking the stress out of turf

Investing in independent trials gives Bayer Environmental Science customers peace of mind for summer and beyond

Since 2002, the UK has seen the ten hottest summers on record and undoubtedly this has placed a higher stress burden on turf.

Fine turf surfaces such as golf and bowls greens are particularly susceptible to stress during prolonged hot and dry periods. There is a decline in turf quality, aesthetics and playability of the surface. Therefore, turf professionals need a solution they can trust to deal with the problem effectively.

That’s why Bayer Environmental Science turned to the STRI to provide independent trials for their Signature Xtra (for use in Ireland) and Exteris Stressgard products. “We chose to work with STRI to trial Signature Xtra and Exteris Stressgard to add weight to what we already knew – that they offer great preventative, and early curative disease solutions for turf during the Summer, as well as further protection against disease later in the year,” said Dr Colin Mumford, Technical Support Manager at Bayer.

The extensive trials, carried out over two years and completing in 2020 demonstrated that the damaging effects of heat stress can be reduced with applications of Signature Xtra or Exteris Stressgard.

The trials, which ran between June and August, found that those plots treated with the products had the greatest turf density and a 10% better live ground cover, compared to the untreated plots. There were a number of other benefits found too including improved turf colour and root length. They encouraged stronger, more vigorous plants and gave protection against harmful UVA and UVB radiation. These benefits promote stronger plant health, enabling the turf to better withstand attack from turf disease pathogens and the hostile environment that summer weather conditions can produce.

Bayer works with STRI, a leading sports turf consultancy to conduct the trials. The team are experts, with a thorough understanding and knowledge of plant protection products.

“When working with STRI we know that the trials will be executed in accordance with the trial protocols that we agree with them. There will also be consistency in their evaluations, as each member of the STRI trials team is trained to assess trials to the same standard,” explained Colin

“All trials conducted are replicated, which means there are typically four replicates of each treatment being assessed. This is important because we can see how consistent the product performs, seeing if there is any variability between applications and it also allows us to have confidence in the results – which we can then extend to our customers.”

The trials look at a number of different factors, including disease control or suppression, turf density, colour and quality. They have a range of playing surface construction profiles, so they can tailor the trials to specific needs and it’s possible to conduct side-by-side comparisons with a range of products at the same time on their trial plots.

“WE CHOSE TO WORK WITH STRI TO TRIAL SIGNATURE XTRA AND EXTERIS STRESSGARD TO ADD WEIGHT TO WHAT WE ALREADY KNEW”

Addition to Compo range

Basfoliar Black is a new addition to the very successful Compo Expert Basfoliar range of liquid fertilisers and Biostimulants.

Basfoliar Black increases the ability of plants to deal with abiotic stress. The 7.5% Humic acid will help retain nutrient ions, thus preventing them from leaching while increasing germination rates and fibrous root development. The 7.6% Fulvic acid promotes carbohydrates and increases the accumulation of soluble sugars in the cell, this helps the plant to deal with drought stress. It is also rich in organic substances essential for the healthy function of soil structure, soil biology and turf.

Humic Acids are medium-sized molecules that possess a high cumulative surface area. They function as essential ion exchange and chelation agents because other elements readily bind to them in a way that can be easily absorbed by turf roots. The impact of humic acid in the soil normally is illustrated with increased cation exchange capacity (CEC). As humic acid naturally degrades over time, they become fulvic acid.

Humic products are most commonly but not exclusively derived from Leonardite.

Leonardite is a soft waxy, black or brown, shiny, vitreous mineraloid that is easily soluble in alkaline solutions. It is an oxidation product of lignite, associated with near-surface mining It is a rich source of humic acid. These materials look pretty crude, but they are chemically complex.

So what can Humic acid do for the greenkeeper and the turf they look after?

Humic acid as found in Basfioliar Black is a carbon-rich soil amendment that can positively affect the soil chemistry as well as the soil microbial activity.

In UK fields trials applying Kick Wetting Agent and Basfoliar Black together has shown to improved turf quality and reduced turf stress.

Fulvic acids are the smallest of the two molecules and are the most water soluble. Due to their small size, they can enter the roots and leaf tissue while transporting complex nutrients.

When used in conjunction with certain fertilisers like Compo Expert Fertilis Swing for greens, it can be even more effective. Both of these fertilisers contain hormones that stimulate plant growth, including cytokinins and auxin. They assist with cell division and enlargement, helping increase the speed at which the grass plants grow. It’s important to note that humic acid can do this, too. So do you really need to use both types of acid?

Humic and fulvic acid benefits are greater when these minerals are used in tandem. Together, humic and fulvic minerals can work in harmony to boost your plant growth. While humic acid naturally improves soil health and growth, fulvic acid will help your plants take up nutrients more effectively.

This can help save you money and time because you can reduce the amount of nutrients that you supply to your turf, because they uptake more effectively.

They support healthy microbial activity and lower the uptake of toxins - crucial if you are using synthetic fertilisers. Humic and fulvic acid can also improve photosynthesis and plant metabolism for improved growth

You’ll be able to grow healthy turf more efficiently.

Plus, humic and fulvic acid can improve the drainage and water retention of your rootzone. n www.compoexpert.com

C-Complex range gets growth going

The C-Complex range from Headland Amenity is helping the team at Gog Magog Golf Club ward off lush, leafy growth, in favour of firm and fast surfaces – in keeping with the course’s downland surroundings.

Estate Manager Andrew Howarth uses various analysis of C-Complex organic mineral fertiliser for feeding and recovery throughout the year, including C-Complex Sport which was trialled on some of the sites high traffic areas last year with great success.

Gog Magog is a 36-hole complex and, together with boasting one of the largest practice facilities in the UK, is listed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its calcareous grassland. This means that for Andrew and his team of 14, there’s certain dos and don’ts when it comes to chemical usage and maintenance.

“While we’re not as restricted on the closer mown areas, we do manage the course in a sustainable way, with a focus on organics” explained Andrew.

“Because of the high usage, we found we were struggling with recovery on some of the high traffic areas, in particular, the greens surrounds. In the hunt for a product that would give use good recovery, without triggering excessive growth, we spoke with our Regional Technical Manager at Headland, Peter Blackaby, who suggested we apply C-Complex Sport.” C-Complex® Sport 14-25+MgO is designed for use on all coarse turf areas and has delivered exceptional results on golf tees and surrounds where lasting strength is needed. The homogenous, regular granule features a high concentration of humic acids and other organic material and so breaks down easily on contact with moisture.

“The humic acid is excellent for root development and gives us the recovery and growth we want, where with other products you’d only get one or the other! We applied C-Complex Sport just once last year in late spring and had fantastic field longevity with it.”

Alongside C-Complex Sport, Andrew is also using C-Complex 5-2-10 on the greens, applied once a year as a ‘spring starter’.

“The combination of different nitrogen sources respond well at cooler temperatures – doing a good job of getting growth going.”

“After summer renovations we then change to the C-Complex 4-3-4 analysis which, thanks to the soft granular make-up, breaks down fast to encourage healthy root development and quick recovery to bring the surfaces back into play ASAP.”

It’s all about targeted solutions

It’s a normal objective for every turf professionals to produce the best playing surface possible… all year-round. The problem is that there is no such thing as a normal year as the vagaries of our UK climate can play havoc with even the best plans and programmes.

As we enter the summer season, whether you’re maintaining a golf course, football or rugby pitch, bowling green, cricket square or outfield, the control of grass growth will be a major consideration. Keeping a targeted and balanced nutritional/bio-stimulant programme is key to reducing these stresses and even though a granular programme will likely be the mainstay of the majority of turf surfaces, integrating liquid supplements between granular applications, will keep the available nutritional levels consistent and provide improved growth control

Liquid applications allow the turf managers to choose how much nutrient they would like to apply: it’s controllable and can be immediately available to the plant allowing more control on growth patterns, while maintaining plant health.

Deciding on an application rate that doesn’t produce excess top growth requires knowing what nutritional input is needed, and this is quite simple to determine. You will need to know the Specific Gravity (SG) and the analysis of the product(s) you want to apply.

For users of liquid fertilisers, the calculation of a product’s SG can sometimes seem daunting so using this formula may help: Application Rate x SG x Analysis ÷ 100

Example: Nutri-Link Base, which part of the Nutri-Link system, has an analysis of

It’s all about targeted solutions

Application of liquid fertilisers applies targeted nutrients to turf surface

12-0-0+8CaO+Fe; it also contains simple and complex biostimulants and oligosaccharides (carbohydrate chains). The Specific Gravity is 1.30, so an application rate of 30lt/ha, will give the following input: Nitrogen 30 x 1.3 x 12 ÷ 100 = 4.68kg/ha Calcium (Ca0) 30 x 1.3 x 8 ÷ 100 = 3.12kg/ha

The combination of these nutrients will provide minimal growth but the benefit comes with the strengthening of the cells walls from the Iron and calcium content.

The iron activates enzymes that promote lignin synthesis within the secondary cell wall and the calcium, in conjunction with pectin, helps form the middle lamella that cements adjoining cells together and provides strength and rigidity to the plant.

The calcium will also ensure that root development is improved and both the iron and calcium application will assist in improving the turf’s tolerance to diseases, which may help reduce the number of fungicide treatments.

Once the required nutrient input has been identified, the decision can be made as to which, if any bio-stimulants, micronutrients, PGR or herbicides can be added. This decision once again depends on what results the turf manager is looking to achieve.

During the summer months presentation is paramount in most sports, so adding a compatible products containing iron will certainly provide a great colour. The Nutri-Link system contains a range of product formulations, which are all compatible with each other. As an example, the Nutri-Link Green, 5-0-0+5Fe+carbohydrates will give the colour boost required but will also provide an excellent source of carbon and sugars from the complex of carbohydrates for stimulating beneficial microorganisms; a healthy rootzone leads to a healthy plant, and when added to a product containing humic/fulvic acids improves the efficiency and uptake of nutrients. Molasses also work as a chelating agent, allowing those nutrients that are ‘locked up’ available to the plant. Applying molasses in early summer and autumn provides the plant with much needed carbohydrates for plant recovery and establishment. }

1 Solution

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Leatherjackets and Chafer Grubs control

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Targeted solutions continued

Nodosum Ascophyllum

Once again using the same formula as before, applying Nutri-Link Green containing 5% N applied at 20lt/ha with an SG of 1.18, the N input will be: 20 x 1.18 x 5 ÷ 100 = 1.18kg/ha of Nitrogen

A good looking green surface however is not necessarily a good indicator as to the health of the turf as plant health is maintained by ensuring the focus is on the whole plant and not just the colour of the leaf. If a healthy root system exists, then invariably a healthy sward will be the result.

Increased root mass and length means more availability of nutrients and moisture, reducing the need for fertiliser and irrigation. The natural root development of cool season grasses is stronger from March to June/July and September to November, weather permitting.

Products containing Humates (Humic and Fulvic acids), such as Nutri-Link Root, are excellent for root development. Humic acids are attracted to the area round the root where it takes up (depletes) nutrients. This is known as the depletion zone, and when the humic acids arrive in the zone they bring nutrients and moisture for the roots. Humic acids have the ability to attract positive ions, which include nitrogen and potassium, and these are then pulled towards the negatively charged plant root in the depletion zone. When Humic acids are applied in liquid form it has also been proved that nutrient absorption through the leaf is also greatly enhanced, so when it is tank mixed with a macro nutrient package you are optimising plant uptake and health. Humic and fulvic acids are also excellent for aiding seed establishment, but by adding an NPK fertiliser, such as Nutri-Link Leaf with them, there is a synergistic effect.

A further addition to the range, Nutri-Link Revive contains seaweed and amino acids, which are excellent bio-stimulants in their own rights and can be tank mixed with other biostimulants as well as macro and micro nutrient sources. Seaweed has been used for hundreds of years as a source of nutrients, albeit in small amounts but also provides many benefits as a root developer.

Seaweeds contains auxins, which help to promote the initiation of adventitious roots and cell division, as do cytokinins, also in seaweed, leading to root development.

Using the synergistic benefits of combining bio-stimulants with conventional nutritional programmes, as with the Nutri-Link system, will help produce the quality, stress free surfaces that are required at all times of the year. As these products are all compatible with each other, they can help reduce man-hours, fuel usage and overall nutrient input costs. n www.rigbytaylor.com

Phil Logan, of Advance Grass Solutions, looks into the intriguing world of nitrogen

I recently asked someone what they would do if they wanted to feed their turf for a long period of time from one application of fertiliser? The answer given was that the higher the number of N on the analysis, the longer it will last…

So will the analysis, 21.0.0 last longer (longevity) than an 18.0.0? I’m afraid if you answered yes then, well… you aren’t right or wrong, you just don’t have enough information yet. Let’s explore the rationale behind that and why it is important.

I’m sure everyone reading this understands the cost of turf nutrition has significantly increased in the last 12 months! For that reason, I wanted to take this opportunity to bring us back to basics. I want to refresh everyone on the importance of correct selection when it comes to Nitrogen Sources (N), where we find this information and why it really is the most important thing to understand to get the maximum value and performance out of your fertiliser.

THE MAIN NITROGEN SOURCES FOR TURFGRASS

Nitrogen is, by a long way, the most important and influential input we provide to our turf. It provides the building blocks of plant growth and development. Due to surface usage and necessary but stressful maintenance practices, we often must supplement our soils with Nitrogen based fertilisers to help our turf grow and perform. These fertilisers come in many shapes and sizes. I have set out below, the basics and what to expect if we apply them. However, if you are interested in more detail, I encourage everyone to research it, in particular, the Nitrogen Cycle, and how each form of nitrogen behaves in respect to it.

Disclaimer: I have selected what I believe are the most common sources of Nitrogen used in turf. I fully accept there are others but to keep it short and simple I have chosen the majority.

1. SOLUBLE PLANT AVAILABLE NITROGEN (SYNTHETIC/MINERAL)

These are water soluble forms of nitrogen that, when applied to the turf, are immediately (or almost immediately) available to the plant. Typically, this source is most useful when soil temperatures are low as microbial activity is required for other N sources to be broken down to available forms for the plant. Nitrate, (and when conditions allow, Ammonium) are the forms of Nitrogen taken up by plants and can come in many substances such as Ammonium Sulphate or Calcium Nitrate. Each have additional affects due to their components. i.e., ammonium sulphate also contains 24% sulphur and has an acidifying effect on the soil. Nitrate won’t last long though, due to its solubility and negative charge, it quickly leaches through the profile. Expect these forms to last 2-4 weeks depending on conditions and soil type.

Urea in its pure form, is a water-soluble form of N that, in warmer conditions, is very quickly made plant available as it requires the activity of soil microbes to convert it to plant available ammonium N. For this reason, it can be unpredictable in spring, and it is commonly used in summer/autumn fertilisers. Therefore, although volatilisation (loss of nitrogen as ammonium gas to the atmosphere) is slower in cold temperatures, if urea cannot be quickly converted to ammonium carbonate a significant portion can be lost to the atmosphere, an expensive mistake in the current economic climate. Urea is also popular as it makes a fantastic tank mix partner due to its extensive hydrogen bonding (highly soluble). Expect 4-6 weeks longevity from urea (depending on conditions) with it taking slightly longer to show a turf response than say, ammonium sulphate. It is rarely applied to turf in uncoated granular form due to its high salt index increasing the likelihood of scorch/salt stress.

The problem occurs on labels (if detailed), where any urea, regardless of the form, is referred to as “UREIC”. As we will find out, this can mean many different things.

2. SYNTHETIC NITROGEN (SLOW RELEASE)

Methylene Urea. A similar story to regular urea by which it requires the action of soil microorganisms. However, the production process creates a variety of longer chain molecules. This provides a predictable, slow, longer-term conversion to plant available N thus giving an even growth pattern. This makes them very popular in turfgrass environments where predictable growth patterns are important for performance, such as golf greens and sports pitches. Depending on the formulation and amount of MU, expect anywhere between 4-12 weeks longevity from these fertilisers. It is a very safe, low salt N source, available in both liquid and granular forms.

Thanks to its advanced production process, AGS Growth Products Smart Nitrogen™ contains more longer carbon chain molecules than other methylene urea molecules meaning it provides superior growth predictability and longevity. Growth Products also pride themselves on providing end users with every piece of information they need by producing some of the most detailed labels on the market. This helps to ensure turf managers achieve the desired outcome with their fertiliser application. Labels are not always this clear, they can be very vague, only stating the analysis. If this is the case, speak to your supplier and find out exactly what is in your fertiliser, be it granular or liquid.

3. ORGANIC NITROGEN (SLOW RELEASE)

In a fairway situation, where clippings are not removed, organic matter provides most of the nitrogen for turf growth. Mineralisation takes care of excess organic matter, converting it to plant available N. However, in managed turf, particularly where clippings are removed, we may wish to provide supplemental organic nitrogen.

A lot more than just a number on a bag

Organic fertilisers should be from materials derived from a living (or previously living) source, such as plants and animals. Be careful, this is a common place where cheaper mineral fertilisers can be passed on as more expensive organics by including small amounts of organic nutrients. The E.U. has some fairly lose rules when it comes to classification of organics. For example, to be classified as an Organic Solid, the product must contain a minimum of 15% Organic Carbon. To be classified as Organo-Mineral Fertilisers, Organic Carbon should be a minimum of 7.5% and Organic Nitrogen greater than 0.5%. Very easy to see how many so-called “organics” are not what they seem on the surface.

Granular organic nitrogen sources, such as Sustane, generally take between 4-8 weeks to breakdown leaving behind valuable soil building organic materials among other benefits that are extensively documented. They are also available in liquid forms. However, organic liquids are water soluble nutrients derived from organic sources (such as animal waste), therefore you extract the nutrients and leave the other valuable organic materials behind. They do not require the level of breakdown via microbial activity and have less beneficial effects on soil health.

When it comes to organic fertiliser, make sure you read your labels, with any luck they will clearly state the percentage of Water Insoluble Nitrogen (WIN: This is your true organic part) and provide the organic source. For example, Sustane, contains mainly anaerobically composted turkey litter to supply the organic nutrition to the turf. The percentage of these are always clearly stated on our labels.

Don’t be fooled here.

Read your label and make sure you are happy with the amount of actual organic you are applying. If it’s not on the label, ask your supplier.

4. CONTROLLED RELEASE NITROGEN

There is then a whole host of controlled release Nitrogen sources. Only available in granular form, meaning they are usually not feasible for fine turf, they consist of materials such as resin or polymer coated urea prills which rely on moisture, temperature and/or microbial activity for release. The most useful characteristic of these fertilisers is that release patterns can be long-term and predictable depending on the type and thickness of coating used. This is a popular choice for areas of turf that need regular nutrition without the ability/necessity to be applying regularly. Products range from 2-6 months in longevity and should come with a guide from your supplier on how long you can expect it last. Again, with urea-based products, the label is unlikely to help as it may all be stated as “UREIC”. This does not give us an accurate picture, there should be multiple grades of coated urea that help provide a smooth nitrogen release curve over the specified time. This is where supplier information is essential, make sure to ask them how the controlled release urea is formulated, as often a timescale in a catalogue can be misleading. This will ensure you meet your goals when it comes to long term, minimal application, turf nutrition.

Thanks to its advanced production process, AGS Growth Products Smart Nitrogen™ contains more longer carbon chain molecules than other methylene urea molecules meaning it provides superior growth predictability and longevity

SUMMARY

I hope you can all see the importance of knowing your nitrogen source. Depending on your turf nutrition goals, we quickly start to see where proper selection fits in. Understanding how the source of nitrogen used will interact with the soil and therefore, the plant, is extremely important. If you are looking for a fertiliser that will last 2-3 months, then understanding that a product containing mainly ammonium sulphate won’t do the job. Similarly, if you are looking to give your turf a kick in spring then it would be a good idea to avoid anything containing too much urea or organic nitrogen. Whilst we can normally rely on suppliers to guide us, it is an essential piece of information that all turf managers should be aware of and regularly reviewing. Keep in mind that most fertilisers contain a blend, or formulation, of multiple N sources depending on the desired outcome.

A little on the underlying agronomics

I could go on about the intricacies of turf nutrition all day! I won’t. However, I would like to leave you with a parting piece of advice when it comes to your soils and nutrition. Get your pH tested! pH, or the acidity or alkalinity of your soil, plays a huge part the efficacy/availability of your nutrition and in turn the grass species that will grow favourably. Because of the way we maintain turf (particularly the use of fertilisers containing ammonium salts), we slowly (sometimes quickly) lower our pH. If acidity increases too much, availability of nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, potassium and magnesium decreases. This also increases availability of toxic elements such as aluminium and manganese. Below pH 5-5.5, our desired grass species may start to show increased levels of stress. pH monitoring is important to all turf surfaces but is particularly important in sandy rootzones where pH changes quickly due to low CEC. Low pH also has a negative effect on our soil microbial activity thus further decreasing the efficacy of our nutrients that rely on them to breakdown nitrogen sources not immediately available to the plant.

So, absolutely, study your fertiliser labels/information and make sure that what you are buying matches your required outcome. But ultimately, if pH is not in the correct range, you could be missing a big piece of the puzzle. AGS believe in providing the very best customer service. We are happy to provide soil samples, including pH, free of charge. Contact us today if you would like a visit from our in-field technical team.

In conclusion, to go back to the question I asked at the start, we still don’t know if a 21-0-0 will last longer than a 18-00. The analysis (N-P-K) is a necessary piece of information when it comes to calculating the number of units applied, still an important exercise, but not the full picture. What we should be doing is reading our labels and asking our suppliers for more information. Then we can sit down and work out exactly what we want, and expect, from our Nitrogen inputs. This will help us make informed, agronomic, and economical decisions about the nutrition we apply to our turf, and hopefully squeezing every penny (Unit of N) as far as it will go. n Phil Logan BSc (Hons is UK

Technical Manager for AGS