SMX Seaweed Technology for Sports Turf

Seaweed extracts are widely used in professional turf programs, but not all seaweed products are the same. Differences in seaweed source, extraction method, concentration and formulation can influence the characteristics of the finished extract and the response seen in the plant.

For turf managers, the important question is therefore not simply whether a product contains seaweed, but what evidence exists for how that particular extract performs in turf.

Why seaweed extraction matters

SMX® is derived from Ascophyllum nodosum, a brown seaweed harvested from North Atlantic coastal waters.

It is based on Acadian Seaplants seaweed technology and produced using an alkaline extraction process. The resulting concentrated extract is incorporated into selected ICL turf products to support root development, plant vigour and resilience to environmental stress.

The way Ascophyllum nodosum is processed matters. Comparative research using the same seaweed raw material has shown that different extraction methods can produce different chemical characteristics and different responses in turfgrass.

Research into root development

Research with perennial ryegrass compared alkaline, hot-water, acid and cold-blend extracts produced from the same Ascophyllum nodosum raw material.

The alkaline extract produced greater total root length and root volume than the untreated control and was the only extraction method evaluated to significantly increase both measurements.

This demonstrates why seaweed extracts should not be treated as interchangeable simply because they come from the same seaweed species.

Further turf research with SMX has also demonstrated increased root development, including greater root length and root mass.

For turf managers, stronger root development can help support the plant’s ability to access water and nutrients and maintain performance when growing conditions become more challenging.

Supporting turf under drought stress

Trials have also assessed turf treated with SMX during periods of reduced water availability.

Under drought conditions, treated turf maintained better turf quality than untreated controls under the conditions of the trials.

Seaweed extracts contain a complex mixture of naturally occurring compounds that can influence plant and rhizosphere processes. Research indicates that SMX can also support plant water regulation, helping turf respond more effectively during periods of environmental stress.

Where SMX fits

SMX is not a standalone input that needs to be added separately to every turf program. The technology is incorporated into selected ICL turf nutrition and plant health products.

Its role is to support:

• Root development – Helps increase root length and root mass.
• Plant vigour – Supports processes associated with healthy turf growth.
• Water regulation – Helps the plant regulate water loss through its stomata.
• Turf under stress – Trial work has demonstrated improved turf quality under drought conditions.

SMX gives turf managers access to an evidence-backed Ascophyllum nodosum extract, based on Acadian Seaplants seaweed technology and supported by turf-specific research.