Turf coming back from winter can be boosted by the use of bionutrition products, says Dr. Roch
Gaussion, interim head of agronomy and horticulture at the University of Nebraska and an extension turfgrass specialist in weed science.
Is there a benefit to using bionutrition on a golf course's turfgrass to aid green-up coming out of winter, especially considering what a mild winter it was for most of the country?
Bionutrition products depend on soil microbial activity to be most effective. In many, but not all, areas of the United States soils that normally freeze for an extended period did not. Couple that with a relatively quick increase in soil temperature this spring and bionutrition would be effective.
Can you tell us some of your findings concerning the value of bionutrients?
Work at the University of Nebraska over several years has consistently shown that the use of bionutrition-based products can reduce the applied nitrogen by as much as 30 percent without compromising turf quality and function. Additionally, although less definitive, we have shown increased soil uptake of several micro-nutrients which were not a component of the product application. Whether the product is making more efficient use of the applied nitrogen or enhancing uptake of resident soil nitrogen, as well as other essential nutrients, is research yet to be done. Regardless, bionutrition is a viable option in fertilizer strategies for managing quality turfgrass facilities.
When is the best time of the year to apply bionutrition and how should it be applied to be most effective?
With some minor exceptions, microbial activity and grass growth coincide, making the application of bionutrition fertilizers less dependent on timing as long as the fertilizer is in place and available when the plant needs it.
What should superintendents be careful of when using bionutrition?
Nothing, above and beyond what would be typical of many fertilizers.
Is applying bionutrition costly and/or time consuming?
Interestingly, no. As mentioned above, our work clearly shows that you get the same response with approximately a 30 percent reduction it total nitrogen then many conventional fertilizers. Given the increase in the price of nitrogen sources, the bionutrition products are often less expensive, as long as the turf manager makes the suggested adjustment in the rate being applied.
Is bionutition use among golf course superintendents becoming more common?
Yes, but not as quickly as I would have anticipated given the positive research results at multiple turf programs across the United States.
Are there any weather conditions that would prevent bionutrition from being effective or make it less effective?
Anything that would impair or inhibit microbial activity, such as high soil temperatures or extremely dry conditions, would limit nutrient availability. Once conditions improve, nutrient availability would as well.
