Do biostimulants make a big difference to turf quality?

Every greenkeeper is looking for ways to push turf performance further.

Unpredictable weather, relentless wear, and increasing environmental pressures mean there’s always a challenge to overcome. Biostimulants have been promoted as part of the solution, promising stronger roots, better stress tolerance, and improved turf quality.

The idea is appealing. A more natural approach, a way to enhance plant health beyond fertilisers and wetting agents. But do biostimulants truly make a game-changing difference, or are their benefits sometimes overstated?

What are we expecting from biostimulants?

Biostimulants aren’t magic solutions—they don’t directly feed the turf like fertilisers, nor do they physically change soil moisture like wetting agents. Instead, they work through complex biological processes, helping turf adapt to stress or take up nutrients more efficiently.

Some greenkeepers swear by biostimulants. Others feel the results are unpredictable. The reality? Biostimulants can enhance turf performance—but only when used in the right conditions. Understanding what they actually do is key to getting the most out of them.

What does the research say?

At ICL, we’ve tested a wide range of biostimulants across multiple trials. One finding has remained consistent:

• The biggest improvements in turf quality come from getting the fundamentals right—optimising nutrition and moisture management.
• Biostimulants can provide additional benefits, but they rarely deliver transformational results on their own.

This doesn’t mean biostimulants don’t work—it means their effects are often subtle, situational, and best used as a complementary tool rather than a core strategy.

Why do biostimulants seem to work better in some situations?

If biostimulants only offer incremental improvements, why do some greenkeepers report great results while others see little change? The answer lies in three key factors:

• The Tank Mix Factor – Many biostimulants are applied alongside fertilisers and wetting agents. If the turf improves, it’s hard to tell which product made the difference.
• Amplification Effect – When something is repeated enough times in marketing, it starts to feel like fact—even when research suggests the results may be more limited.
• Complex Science, Simple Assumptions – Biostimulants interact with turf in ways that aren’t always easy to measure. It’s tempting to assume they always work, but the reality is more complex.

How to evaluate biostimulants in your turf programme

Rather than assuming biostimulants will deliver big results, a more practical approach is to treat them as one piece of the puzzle.

• Use them as a finishing touch – If your nutrition and moisture management are already dialled in, a well-chosen biostimulant may help—but it won’t replace the basics.
• Look for trial data – Ask for independent research and ensure studies are relevant to your turf conditions.
• Track results – Set clear expectations before use. If you’re applying a biostimulant, what specific change are you looking for?

Balancing innovation with practicality

The turf industry is evolving, and biostimulants are part of that evolution. Over time, research will help us better understand how and when to use them effectively.

Biostimulants aren’t a silver bullet, but they can be a valuable tool in the right context. The key isn’t just believing they work—it’s knowing when and how to use them effectively. Its having this knowledge from in depth, robust research that allows the ICL team to advise in both a progressive and responsible way on the use of biostimulants.

At ICL, we focus on practical, data-driven decisions, ensuring every tool—including biostimulants—is used to its full potential.