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Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/557483
LANDSCAPE AND TURF MAINTENANCE ganic products will influence the physical and biological make up of the soil and the turf. We need to explore ways to develop more sustainable approach- es to nutrient and water management. With an increase in turf quality expectations, we need to consider alternative methods that provide for the sustainable future of our industry. This includes the integration of more efficient delivery methods that are biologically based. These biological methods are safe, effective and sustainable long into the future generations. IT STARTS IN THE SOIL In the soil, microbes deliver nutrients to the turf. These microbes release nutrients that are locked in the organic matter, in the soil profile, or from all fertilizer products. Microbes need nutritional energy to multiply in the soil. In the past, this energy came from rich organic matter in the soil. Today, our sand-based systems lack this energy, reducing nutrient efficiency. Natural fertilizer products contain nutrients for the turf and nutrition for the soil microbial population. Natural products con- tain an energy level to build microbial populations that effectively deliver turf nutrients. Organic performance is all based on their energy value. Not all natural products deliver the same nutritional energy level for microbial stimulation. This energy value can best be defined by its "Total Digestible Nutrient Value" or TDN Value. The TDN Value estimates the en- ergy derived from a natural fertilizer product. A high TDN Value translates into increase microbial populations and microbial biodi- versity. Microbial biodiversity assures a competitive balance in the soil to deliver nutrients and combat agronomic problems like wear, stress and disease management. This competitive microbial balance promotes overall soil health and turf quality. Soil health is a key to reducing agronomic issues and promoting more sustainable agronomic solutions. Natural biological solutions deliver energy to the soil, which increases mi- crobial populations. These microbial healthy soil systems help to improve nutrient uptake. Soil microbes: Assimilate nitrogen into their bodies, reducing nutrient leaching; Are mini bags of fertilizer, which reduces the amount of re- quired fertilizer; And mine nutrients from the soil, unlocking stored nutrient reserves. Natural products increase the soil microbial populations that promote a natural sustainable approach. This reduces the amount of nutrients needed without jeopardizing the turf and plant health, nor negatively impacting the environment. MICROBIAL ROLE IN TURF RESILIENCE Soil microbial populations play several key roles in nutrient man- agement and turf resilience. In fact, the turf excretes an energy- rich food source from the root to colonize microbes along the root system. These microbial populations play a critical role in moving nutrients into the turf. This interaction between the root and microbes plays an es- sential role in overall nutrient uptake, and is critical for turf qual- ity and resilience. Without this interaction, the turf can be prone to more stress and disease-related problems. Biological nutrient products provide the food energy to build and enhance the overall soil microbial populations. A bio-nutrient management approach builds overall soil mi- crobial populations while enhancing nutrient release; enhances the competitive microbial balance that improves stress tolerance; and combines natural and traditional nutrients to reduce overall fertil- izer costs. Microbial life provides the immune system that manages average levels of stress and disease problems. Microbial balance or soil diversity is es- sential for delivering nutrients on a timely basic. This nutri- ent delivery system is espe- cially critical during periods of increased stress or wear. Therefore, bio-fertilizers help build back the damage to the soil health caused by these products. The use of bio-products provides the nu- tritional vehicle to off set the negative impact of pest con- trol products. If pest-control products are required, then feed the soil with a natural-based fertility product that contains both the turf nutrients and the microbial nutritional aspect. This is a win- win agronomic approach to nutrient and pest management. A simple sustainable program combines the agronomic benefits of both organic and traditional turf nutrients. Traditional fertilizer products deliver a cost-effective nutrient source to address key nu- trient deficiencies. Plus, there are a variety of traditional nutrients that offer a wide range of release characteristics to deliver color, growth and rooting at any type of weather conditions. There are traditional products that are better suited for cool and warm tem- peratures. Traditional nutrient products can better address tem- perature- and growth-related issues. Bio-fertilizer products provide the nutritional energy to build and stimulate the natural microbes in the soil, and they resolve ag- ronomic issues by building soil health. A combination approach using both traditional and natural products can be the backbone to a more effective soil fertility pro- gram for high-quality turf management. When developing your program, consider all the agronomic factors that reduce stress and wear issues, disease problems and nutrient deficiencies. Then select products that deliver these agronomic benefits to solve those repet- itive issues. By adding bio-fertilizer dimensions, you will squeeze more from your nutrient and nutritional fertility program. Len Conley is owner of The Sanctuary Products. Conley has nearly 40 years of experience in all aspects of turfgrass management. He has provided agronomic consulting to many sports turf managers, lawn care companies, and golf course superintendents. www.landscapeirrigation.com Landscape and Irrigation September 2015 41 LI Microbial biodiversity assures a competitive balance in the soil to deliver nutrients and combat agronomic problems like wear, stress and disease management.