How to build an integrated turf management program

To maintain healthy turf, you need to ensure that the essential macro- and micronutrients are provided in the right proportions and at the right time. Although this sounds quite simple, there’s a lot more to it. There are numerous factors to consider when designing the right turf nutritional program:  the soil or rootzone type, climate, the season, turf usage, and required quality (just to name a few). The addition of moisture management and biostimulant selection shows a holistic view on turf management is essential. Soil scientist Dr Andy Owen has been working in the turf industry for 25 years, and it is one of his goals to improve our understanding about how turf systems work and how to get all the factors right to get the best turf performance possible. We asked him about his key components to turf nutrition.

Dr Andy Owen talking to a greenkeeper.

Soil: let’s dig in!

A seemingly simple formula: the right product at the right rate plus the right time equals the right performance. But how to determine the optimal nutrient requirements and exact timings for different turf areas? Andy: “Of course a number of factors are at play here. The growth of a plant is determined by the environment. Aspects like temperature, moisture, and soil type are important. But before you know what additional nutrition the turf needs, we first check what is already there in the soil. For instance, a professional sports turf area is usually constructed with a sand-based rootzone that contains only low levels of nutrients.”

Soil tests are usually a first step to guide the development of a turf nutrition program. They can help determine nutrient deficiencies, and in general allow a better understanding of the root zone growing conditions.

Tips to improve your turf strategy

The primary objective of a turf nutrition program is to support the turf manager in delivering the required surface performance. This will vary depending upon club. One starting point is to consider existing performance and what needs to be changed moving forward. At ICL, we know exactly what is needed to grow healthy turf, “but it is the turf manager’s strategy – and the level of performance required – that determines our expert’s recommendations”, says Andy. “One of the most common mistakes I do see is an overcomplicated program. I come across some very complicated programs that I don’t think are needed. You need your macronutrients to get the grass growing, with a focus on delivering the correctly phased nitrogen, and maybe some supporting additional components. It doesn’t have to be that difficult. Of course, you still need to select good quality products, and maybe add a biostimulant to support the plant through stress and to healthy growth.”

“One of the most common mistakes I do see is an overcomplicated fertilizer program.”

Expand your knowledge on turf nutrition

The decisions of a turf manager on how to move forward usually depend on past experiences of the site. “Knowledge is essential,” Andy says. “I think a progressive turf manager has a good understanding of all nutrition available and how best to use it. There are tradeshows, and lots of free educational opportunities for turf managers organized by local associations. Make use of it and grow your knowledge about turf nutrition and how new innovations might improve your turf programs”, he advises. “And don’t be afraid to ask questions and get more information from a sales advisor or agronomist. Their recommendations should be based on clear evidence and sound advice.”

Research

The proven science behind turf nutrition

As soil scientist, and International Technical Manager Turf and Landscape at ICL, Andy is continuously on top of what is happening in the turf market. He collaborates closely with ICL’s R&D facilities, universities, and independent trials organizations, such as STRI, to ensure that all turf nutrition products are backed by research and proven in the field. “We always scope the sector for new technologies that might be interesting. At ICL, we work hard to develop new products and solutions. These would be fully tested both internally and externally before launching. We would do that in a number of phases. First, products get tested internally in a controlled glasshouse environment. Once we get the results we want, we test the solution externally (STRI, university collaboration). In the final phase, we test the product with some key customers.”

“We work hard to develop new products and solutions. These would be fully tested both internally and externally before launching.”

New products to improve turf performance

Last year, ICL launched its first-of-its-kind eqo.s technology: a more quickly and fully biodegradable coating innovation for ICL’s controlled release fertilizer portfolio. The launch brings a future-proof solution to the market for a turf manager’s sustainable CRF fertilizer requirements. But behind the scenes, new developments are being tested continuously. Andy: “At the moment the key area of our research is managing turf diseases in a changing climate. With stricter regulations and a more sustainable approach to turf nutrition, diseases and pests are more difficult to control. It is a big area of concern for turf managers, so we are constantly working on integrated turf management techniques that support healthy, resilient turf, and lowers pressure of disease and pests.”

The proven success of integrated turf management

ICL has been developing integrated turf management practices for decades in collaboration with scientists, universities, and in the field gathering feedback from turf managers worldwide. One of the many examples where the integrated approach has shown very good results is in managing Microdochium patch disease through non-fungicidal practices. “By creating an integrated approach using our technologies, so by applying a selection of products at the right times, we can significantly lower the disease pressure sustainably, without any use of fungicides. The key is to apply the right nutrition at the right time and combine it with wetting agent applications to manage moisture on leaves and in the rootzone, and by selecting technologies such as liquid iron. More recently we have been running trials on dollar spot management and non-herbicidal management of broadleaved weeds with similar potential success.”

Moisture management

The role of wetting agents in integrated turf management

Wetting agents help turf managers to manage moisture in the root zone, and they can play a big role in integrated turf programs. They are particularly useful at preventing hydrophobicity or localized dry spot, which is mainly a problem for fine turf and golf greens.  Wetting agents will help utilize water efficiently on any turf surface. Andy: “To be effective, you should use wetting agents in a programmed approach making applications regularly in advance of and through the summer. Additionally, you can switch to a penetrant wetting agent in autumn and winter to help manage excess water or heavy rain.”

“Management of moisture is critical for a good turf surface”, Andy emphasizes. “My advice to new greenkeepers is to try and purchase a moisture meter to understand the moisture in your rootzone and how that varies throughout the year. Then select a good quality wetting agent that is proven through research and apply in a programmed approach. This will provide your turf with the right level of moisture through the year.”

“My advice to new greenkeepers is to try and purchase a moisture meter to understand the moisture in your rootzone… then select a good quality wetting agent.”

Improve your water-use efficiency

ICL has significant expertise in the formulation and use of our H2Pro range of wetting agents. Thanks to years of ongoing, independent research, we can provide turf managers with the best advice on how these wetting agents promote healthy turf in an integrated turf program. Andy: “We have done trials every year. There’s a huge amount of research trial data available that proves the value of wetting agents. ICL’s wetting agent products have shown to significantly reduce the level of hydrophobicity and increases turf quality for golf greens.”

Additionally, trials show not only that wetting agents reduce the potential for dry patch development, but they also allow the turf to maintain better quality under dry conditions.  If drought stress develops, the turf plant can have better access to water and up to 40% less water is needed to maintain the same levels of turf quality, thus improving the water use efficiency significantly.

Biostimulants

The finishing touch: biostimulants as an asset for your turf

A biostimulant is defined as “a substance or microorganism that, when applied to seeds, plants, or on the rhizosphere, stimulates natural processes to enhance or benefit nutrient uptake, nutrient use efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress, or crop quality and yield.”

Under periods of turf stress, the right biostimulant can help maintain turf quality and performance. It can enhance root development, improve nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance, and thus as part of an integrated turf management program it can truly improve turf health and performance. Andy: “It is important to have your nutrition and moisture management in place as well. If you have that right, biostimulants can help provide that bit extra.”

An example of a biostimulant is ICL’s Vitalnova SMX, which contains a seaweed extract that has been researched and tested extensively. “SMX showed to improve turf quality under heat stress. Turfgrass that is treated with the biostimulant showed more density and deeper rooting.”

“We don’t exaggerate our claims. All our products, including our seaweed-based biostimulant, are thoroughly researched.”

Tips on how to choose your biostimulant

Andy emphasizes on the importance of staying critical when choosing a biostimulant and urges turf managers to select products that are backed by trustworthy research: “Seaweeds for instance, are commonly used. There are many products on the market, but many of these have not been properly researched. Make sure that there is actual evidence of the working of a biostimulant. We don’t exaggerate our claims. All our products, including our seaweed-based biostimulant, are thoroughly researched.”

But is a biostimulant the answer to healthy turf? Andy: “Lots of competitors overemphasize the use of biostimulants. In field trials, the addition of biostimulants showed to be only beneficial when nutrition and moisture management is done correctly first. It is essential to get this right before selecting one or two biostimulants to add to your turf program. Don’t be tempted to ‘just’ grab and apply a biostimulant, but make sure you understand what products fit your specific turf performance goals. An integrated view of your turf management program makes all the difference.”

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get more information from a sales advisor or agronomist. Their recommendations should be based on clear evidence and sound advice.”

Summary

A scientist’s view on turf nutrition

To produce the best quality turf, you need to integrate a range of technologies and products. Your integrated turf management program, when selected and applied correctly, will improve your turf significantly and reduce stress from for instance heat, disease, and pests in a more sustainable way. The essentials of a future-proof integrated turf management program start with a good, healthy root zone. Then select the right grass species, followed by the right nutritional program. Manage moisture with wetting agents and finally add the right biostimulants to provide the best turf surface. A complete approach for your turf management will help you get the best out of your turf performance. In your contact with sales advisors and agronomists, ask questions. Don’t be hesitant in questioning the advice. And last, but not least: continue learning about new innovations and ways to improve your turf!

“By creating an integrated approach using our technologies, so by applying a selection of products at the right times, we can significantly lower the disease pressure sustainably, without any use of fungicides.”