H2Pro TriSmart: from soil conditioner to non-microbial biostimulant

Recent label changes, stemming from new EU regulations, have allowed the reclassification of H2Pro TriSmart from “soil conditioner” to “non-microbial biostimulant.” Discover the science behind this transformation and what it means for turf management.

H2Pro TriSmart is a premium wetting agent specially designed for turf. Its unique triple-action formula provides excellent moisture management, giving turf managers  more control over water penetration and distribution, and confidence that they are significantly reducing the occurrence of dry patch. H2Pro TriSmart plays a pivotal role in maintaining healthy, and robust turf, however, recent changes to its labeling have left users wondering about the meaning behind this transformation.

New EU regulations

The new EU Fertilizing Products Regulation (FPR), set in motion in 2022, has required mineral fertilizer manufacturers to reclassify their products in order to fit 1 of 7 controlled categories. This new classification isn’t merely a simple label change: products must undergo rigorous testing to scientifically prove their properties and benefits. The new regulation is intended to provide users with accurate information on the product and its use, while also allowing them to enjoy the added confidence of selecting a product that was recently tested and proven to deliver results.

From soil conditioner to non-microbial biostimulant

H2Pro Trismart has been reclassified, changing from a “soil conditioner” to a “non-microbial biostimulant”, with the label adjusted accordingly to comply with the new EU regulations. For a product to be recognized as a biostimulant, it needs to demonstrate that it affects and improves the quality of the plant.

The decision to reclassify H2Pro TriSmart as a non-microbial biostimulant stems from these new regulations, however, it’s important to note that the product formula remains unchanged. The label modification reflects a change in the EU regulations, but not in the quality and performance of H2Pro Trismart. Users don’t need to change their usage in response to the new label, because core functions and application methods remain consistent.

What is the difference between soil conditioners and non-microbial biostimulants?

To fully comprehend this shift, it’s crucial to explain the fundamental distinction between soil conditioners and non-microbial biostimulants, and their effect on plants. Soil conditioners primarily enhance soil structure and water retention, with little direct benefits to plant health. In contrast, non-microbial biostimulants, including H2Pro TriSmart, specifically target plant physiology, stimulating growth and overall health.

The trial and registration process

ICL has conducted extensive testing, to successfully present the EU with data and documentation that back up this claim. Testing of H2Pro TriSmart was conducted at the University of Arkansas (USA) and the STRI Group to prove that H2Pro TriSmart meets the EU requirements for biostimulants.

ICL collaborated closely with organizations like the STRI Group to establish a protocol compliant with EU regulations for biostimulants. This included: monitoring PPP (plant protection products) inputs, irrigation applications, nutritional inputs and grass heights. All of these factors were taken into consideration and involved in-depth statistical analysis. To register H2Pro TriSmart as a non-microbial biostimulant, ICL was required to conduct a minimum of three independent trials, assessing positive and negative controls, and evaluating the impact of drought stress. The results of these trials helped demonstrate the product’s effectiveness as a non-microbial biostimulant, and showed that it enhances plant tolerance to drought stress, alongside other benefits through the improved management of soil moisture.

Trial area 2 at two time points illustrating the effectiveness of the imposed drought stress during the trial.

What to expect from H2Pro TriSmart

Turf managers using H2Pro TriSmart can expect a proven and reliable solution for enhancing turf health and vitality. H2Pro TriSmart improves rootzone moisture balance, turf quality, density, uniformity and color. Additionally, using H2Pro Trismart has been shown to increase the rootzone population of bacteria and fungi and so also benefits the soil microbiome. . These factors set H2Pro TriSmart apart from other products.

H2Pro TriSmart has undergone rigorous testing in various environmental conditions, consistently delivering positive results. The transformation of H2Pro TriSmart from a soil conditioner to a non-microbial biostimulant reflects evolving regulatory standards in the EU and ICL’s continuous commitment to providing turf managers with reliable and effective solutions. Users can continue to trust H2Pro TriSmart to help maintain high quality, healthy turf.