Precision Laboratories announced the results of a recent study conducted at Purdue University in which researchers tested four soil surfactants to determine their effect on creeping bentgrass fairway performance on native soils.
The 2006 study found that there are benefits to applying a soil surfactant for improving creeping bentgrass turf quality, especially during severe summer stress.
Magnus, produced by Precision Laboratories, was the only soil surfactant tested to show a statistical difference in turfgrass quality over the untreated test plot. In fact, the use of Magnus significantly decreased Localized Dry Spot and, in some cases, improved turf quality by as much as 30 percent.
“Research coming out of Purdue University is among the most trusted in the industry, so receiving confirmation from this study that Magnus improves turf quality and color, while controlling Localized Dry Spot is something we are extremely proud of,” said Don Spier, vice president of turf and ornamentals at Precision Laboratories. “Superintendents can use Magnus with renewed confidence knowing that it will perform as promised.”
Conducted by Cale Bigelow and Adam Moeller, the ten-week field experiment took place at the W.H. Daniel Turfgrass Research and Diagnostic Center at Purdue University. The turfgrass was a three-year old stand of mixed creeping bentgrass/annual bluegrass grown on a Starks-Fincastle silt-loam with a pH of 7.2 and 1.6 percent organic matter.
The soil surfactants were applied on June 22, 2006, and subsequent applications were made according to research protocol. Magnus was applied at a rate of four ounces per 1000 square feet every 28 days. All applications were made in the morning. In the evening approximately 0.25 inches of water was used to irrigate each test plot.
Turfgrass quality was assessed using a ten-point scale with “0” indicating brown, dead turf and “10” indicating optimum color, density and uniformity. Results of the study showed that Magnus was superior to the untreated check, even throughout the severe heat and stress of summer, with an average turf quality value of 8.3.
For more information about the study, or for a copy of complete research findings, visit www.precisionlab.com, or contact Don Spier, 847-596-3001 x234.