Can bionutrition help support turf going into the winter and preparing for next year’s greenup? Dr. Roch Gaussoin, professor of agronomy and horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, shares his thoughts on the benefits.
GCI: What does bionutrition do to strengthen turf over the winter?
RG: The underlying premise of bionutrition is the need for microbiological activity to make nutrients more readily available. As temperatures cool down in the fall, microbial activity does as well, and bionutrition-based fertilizers do not push growth at a time when growth should not be accelerated, rather when it should be decreased to facilitate the natural processes the grass needs to harden off for winter survival.
GCI: Is it ever too late to make applications to benefit turf the following growing season?
RG: There is a law of diminishing returns as temperature decreases in the fall and no benefit and potential runoff and environmental concerns once the ground is frozen.
GCI: What other benefits does bionutrition have during the rest of the year?
RG: In the spring, when turf nutrient availability should be associated with the need for growth at a rate moderated by increasing temperatures and day length, this is a time ideally suited for fertilizers whose release is dependent on biological activity.
GCI: How can superintendents determine if bionutrition is right for their course?
RG: Testing side by side with what they have traditionally used is the tried and true method to determine if any new technology is right for a superintendent.
GCI: What signs should superintendents look for in early spring to determine if bionutrition is benefiting their turf?
RG: If they notice an early spring green-up, and possibly increased density and color.
GCI: Anything to be careful of when using bionutrition products?
RG: Bionutrition-based fertilizers are extremely safe and pose little or no burn hazard when used as directed.
