Bio Huma Netics, Inc. (BHN), located in Gilbert, Arizona, is the recipient of the 2019 Biostimulant Industry Impact Award. The award was presented at Biostimulant CommerceCon in Atlantic City, New Jersey, by AgriBusiness Global and its parent company, Meister Media Worldwide. This prestigious annual award is given to the company that a panel has judged to have best leveraged biostimulant product innovation, successfully implemented a distribution strategy, and implemented a change-making marketing and communications campaign. The prize awarded includes an integrated media package valued at $25,000 USD. [Read more…]
BHN Earns 2019 Biostimulant Industry Impact Award
October 2, 2019 By
Our Humic Advantage
August 16, 2019 By
Humic substances, among the most wondrous products of nature, are the recycled essential residues of life. Plants harvest the sun’s energy and create life from that energy plus the carbon and oxygen they pull out of the air and the minerals they pull out of the soil. When plants die, all of their components are decomposed through the aid of microorganisms and mineralization, then returned to the soil as organic matter. [Read more…]
Huma Gro® Turf Amendments Reduce Nitrogen and Phosphorus Leaching
June 28, 2019 By
Summary
This research report demonstrates the effect of HUMA GRO® TURF products X-TEND®, FERTIL HUMUS®, MULTI-PURPOSE™, and ZAP® in the reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus leaching in fine sand soils.
The leaching of nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers presents an on-going problem in Florida soils. Agricultural amendments that reduce leaching when applied to soils or when mixed with nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers present a potential solution to this problem. Retaining a greater amount of nutrient in the crop root zone is economically beneficial to the grower. Four Huma Gro® Turf amendments were applied to Immokalee fine sand soil to evaluate their respective effect on nutrient leaching and increasing nutrient levels in crop root zones.
In simulated irrigations, nitrogen and phosphorus and Huma Gro® Turf amendments were applied to columns of soil, with the leachate being drained away. A total of 15.5 inches water was applied over 60 days, after which the soil columns were analyzed for nitrate nitrogen and phosphate.
Results
The combinations of fertilizer plus the Huma Gro® Turf amendments lost only 15.6% of the nitrogen and 15.0% of the phosphate. The control lost 40.6% of the nitrogen and 35.6% of the phosphate. In the top 18″ of soil, the combination of fertilizer plus the Huma Gro® Turf amendments resulted in an increased nitrogen level of 76.1% and an increased phosphate level of 31.2% compared to the control.
Percent Increase of N & P Over the Control in Top 18″ Soil
| % Increase vs Control | Nitrogen | Phosphate |
| Fertilizer + Huma Gro® |
76.1% | 31.2% |
Percent Loss of Nitrogen & Phosphate in 36″ Soil Profiles
| Nitrogen % Loss | Phosphate % Loss | |
| Fertilizer + Huma Gro® |
15.6% | 15.0% |
| Control | 40.6% | 35.6% |
Fertilizer complexed with Huma Gro® Turf amendments to the soil significantly reduced leaching. With Huma Gro® Turf amendments, more nitrogen and phosphate remained in the top 18″ of soil.
Product Summary
FERTIL HUMUS® (24-0-0 + Fe, Zn, Mn) complexed with our proprietary Micro Carbon Technology®* (MCT) contains the nutrients necessary to feed beneficial fungal activity in the soil and to increase carbon and nutrient availability in the root zone. FERTIL HUMUS® enhances aerobic decomposition of organic matter and builds a humus-rich soil, which releases nutrients tied up in organic matter. FERTIL HUMUS® also helps buffer the plant from the effects of heavy metals and toxic substances in the soil.
MULTI-PURPOSE™ (5-0-0 + Fe,Zn,Mn) with our proprietary MCT* base, improves soil structure and feeds the beneficial bacteria activity in the soil. This balances the carbon-oxygen ratio, creating a carbon-rich soil that allows the soil and rhizosphere interface to be more active.
X-TEND® (6-2-0) is a concentrated MCT* product with high levels of organic acids and nutrients. X-TEND® is formulated to be blended in liquid fertilizers or to be impregnated onto dry fertilizers, which extends the effectiveness of the fertilizer or fertilizer solutions.
ZAP® (8-0-0 + Fe,Zn,Mn,S) complexed with MCT* is an organic–based formulation of nutrients for feeding the native beneficial soil biological balance. ZAP® feeds a strong, vigorous soil biology which indirectly results in the natural improvement of soil health.
* Huma Gro® Turf products with Micro Carbon Technology® rapidly deliver essential nutrition to crops for optimal growth, fruiting, and vigor. The results are higher quality harvests, increased crop yields, and maximum profit.
SUPER PHOS® Increases Bermuda Grass Shoot Biomass
June 11, 2019 By
Summary
The effects of Huma Gro® Turf SUPER PHOS® were compared with competitive phosphorus fertilizers on the shoot biomass of Bermuda grass, a common warm-season turf grass species.
Bermuda grasses were grown in Hoagland solution prepared without phosphorus or nitrogen. The treatments, replicated four times, consisted of the following fertilizers at 10% and 25% phosphorus:
SP: Huma Gro® SUPER PHOS® solution (0-50-0)
AP: Ammonium polyphosphate solution (10-34-0)
MAP: Monoammonium phosphate granular (11-52-0)
TSP: Triple superphosphategranular (0-45-0)
Control: Untreated control
Nitrogen was added to SP and TSP to ensure a uniform amount of nitrogen throughout the treatments. Grasses were grown for approximately two months and shoots were harvested weekly. Fresh and dry weights were measured and recorded over eight weeks.
Results
Bermuda Shoot Fresh and Dry Weights at 10% and 25% Phosphorus
-
Bermuda Shoot Fresh Weight at 10% Phosphorus -
Bermuda Shoot Fresh Weight at 25% Phosphorus -
Bermuda Shoot Dry Weight at 10% Phosphorus -
Bermuda Shoot Dry Weight at 25% Phosphorus
Huma Gro® Turf SUPER PHOS® contributed to a higher Bermuda grass shoot biomass than the competitive products at the same reduced rate of applied phosphorus. The beneficial effect on shoot fresh and dry weights was classified as follows: SP> TSP > MAP > AP > control.
Product Summary
SUPER PHOS® (0-50-0) complexed with Micro Carbon Technology®* can be applied by foliar application, according to label directions, without the risk of phytotoxicity and keeps phosphate available and soluble in the soil solution for rapid uptake by plant roots without being blocked by clays, metal ions, or organic matter. Phosphate encourages the production of amino acids, proteins, and carbohydrates necessary for cellular division.
* Huma Gro® Turf products with Micro Carbon Technology® rapidly deliver essential nutrition to crops for optimal growth, fruiting, and vigor. The results are higher quality harvests, increased crop yields, and maximum profit.
Research Report: FERTIL HUMUS® Soil Amendment Trial for Water Infiltration
May 24, 2019 By
Summary
The following research report compares increased moisture infiltration with the use of FERTIL HUMUS® at different rates and timings. It was conducted in the southern portion of the Columbia Basin in Washington State. The field, which had sandy loam soil, was pivot-irrigated as a broadcast spray, incorporated. All treatments were replicated four times in a complete randomized-block plot design. The time it took for a measured acre-inch of water to penetrate into the soil was recorded for each replication in each treatment. The times for each replication were averaged so that the influence of the treatments could be compared.
Results
- Trt 1: 1 pint/acre FERTIL HUMUS
- Trt 2: 2 pint/acre FERTIL HUMUS®
- Trt 3: 4 pint/acre FERTIL HUMUS®
- Trt 4: 2 pint/acre FERTIL HUMUS®, followed 2 weeks later by another 2 pints/acre
- Trt 5: The Grower Standard Treatment (Untreated Check)
Conclusion
Application of FERTIL HUMUS® reduces the amount of time required for water to enter the soil surface, which is beneficial in terms of reducing the risk of soil erosion, fertility movement, and evaporation loss. It also aids soil aeration and moisture uniformity within the field.
Product Summary
FERTIL HUMUS® (24-0-0 + Fe, Zn, Mn) is a unique blend of nutrition and enzymes with our proprietary Micro Carbon Technology®* base. It has been developed to deliver the nutrients necessary to feed beneficial fungal activity in the soil and increase carbon and nutrient availability in the root zone. FERTIL HUMUS® enhances aerobic decomposition of organic matter and builds a humus-rich soil, which releases nutrients tied up in organic matter and improves soil condition. It also helps buffer the plant from the effects of heavy metals and toxic substances in the soil.
Benefits of use:
- Aids in the decomposition of organic residues in soils
- Increases recycling of nutrients tied up in organic matter
- Helps to buffer harsh chemicals and degrade toxic compounds in soil
- Increases soil water retention
- Stimulates root growth
Apply Fertil Humus® where there is:
- Poor or imbalanced soil biology.
- Slow breakdown of organic matter.
- Sandy soil needing stabilization by humus formation.
- Poor water penetration or retention.
- Chemical or toxic compound residues in the soil.
* Huma Gro® Turf products with Micro Carbon Technology® rapidly deliver essential nutrition to crops for optimal growth, fruiting, and vigor. The results are higher quality harvests, increased crop yields, and maximum profit.
See the complete Research Report.
BHN Welcomes Rich Lamar to the Humic Research Team
May 23, 2019 By
On May 1, 2019, Dr. Richard Lamar joined Bio Huma Netics, Inc. (BHN) as Senior Director of Humic Research. He brings a tremendous amount of skills, experience, and knowledge of humic substances to BHN.
Dr. Lamar has a B.S. in Biology from the University of Miami, a M.S. in Forestry from Mississippi State University, and a Ph.D. in Forestry from North Carolina State University, with minors in Chemistry, Plant Physiology, and Soils, respectively. He has many years’ experience as a scientist, and 22 years’ research experience in the biosolids and humic industries, including as a Research Director for the EarthFax Development Corporation. Dr. Lamar has collaborated on more than 50 publications and 3 patents for bioremediation methods and methods for quantitation of humic substances.
BHN Chief Executive Officer Lyndon Smith commented, “We are pleased to have Dr. Lamar leading the Humic Research Team for Bio Huma Netics’product lines. Along with extensive experience in soil bioremediation and pollution treatment technologies, he has in-depth knowledge of soil microbiology and an excellent understanding of humic and fulvic chemistry. In addition, Rich displays the professionalism and integrity that we value at BHN. With his background in agricultural and soil sciences, he will be an invaluable addition to our Research Team.”
The Bio Huma Netics crop nutrition and protection lines include more than 15 humic and fulvic acid products for restoring and enhancing soil fertility, and more than 150 products in the categories of macronutrients, micronutrients, soil fertility, growth managers, organic acids, and crop protection—all based on our proprietary Micro Carbon Technology®nutrient carrier that enables growers to accomplish more with less product.
About Bio Huma Netics, Inc.
Founded in 1973, Bio Huma Netics, Inc., (BHN) is a three-generation family- and employee-owned company that is a global leader in providing sustainable solutions to the world’s environmental challenges for conventional agriculture (HUMA GRO®, MESA VERDE HUMATES®); organic agriculture (FERTILGOLD®ORGANICS); horticulture, turf & ornamentals (HUMA GRO®TURF); and soil & wastewater remediation (PROBIOTIC SOLUTIONS®) all based on its proprietary Micro Carbon Technology®. Learn more at www.bhn.us.
Why is Micro Carbon Technology® Quicker, Better, More Powerful? Because it’s Smaller.
November 15, 2018 By
By Michael Gardner, Senior Director of Huma Gro® Turf Sales at Bio Huma Netics, Inc.
[NOTE: This article first appeared in the November 2018 issue of Tee Times Golf Guide Magazine.]
In a time where everything is getting bigger, stronger, and faster, smaller can be better.
Is Bigger Better?
Pickup trucks are bigger with huge tires and lift kits. Small companies are absorbed into big companies; big companies are getting even bigger. Athletes are growing bigger, stronger, faster. Even golfers are bigger, stronger, hitting the ball further than ever. And yet . . . .
Smaller Is Quickly Absorbed.
If you watch TV commercials, you’ll notice that smaller can sometimes be powerful. An aspirin company claims smaller aspirin particles quickly relieve pain. A topical for sore muscles claims small particles in the lotion are absorbed quickly, also relieving pain quickly. Even small bits of candy pack a big burst of flavor. Mobile technology makes my cell phone more powerful than my old desktop computer. The same holds true with turf and soil.
Micro Carbon Technology® (MCT) is Smaller.
Just like the aspirin and lotion, Huma Gro® Turf uses small particles to activate soil microbiology and quickly absorb nutrients into the plant. Huma Gro® Turf products do this with Micro Carbon Technology® (MCT). MCT is a very small carbon molecule that is a fraction of the size of humic or fulvic or acid molecules. It’s a simple concept: the smaller the molecule, the more active that molecule. The more active the molecule, the more that molecule can accomplish.
MCT is a Nutrient Carrier.
MCT is a carbon- and oxygen-rich organic molecule that moves nutrients into the plant through the soil and/or leaves. In this situation, nutrients attach to the carbon, which acts as a carrier to transport the nutrients into the plant through the leaf in a foliar application or through the root system in a soil application.
MCT Protects Nutrients.
MCT protects the nutrient molecule as it is transported into the plant. This protection reduces phytotoxicity in foliar application. Nutrients immediately penetrate the leaf. In a soil application, nutrients are freely taken up by the root system without being tied up in the soil. Nutrient deficiencies are quickly reversed.
MCT Stimulates Microbes.
Soil health is key to healthy turf. Not only is soil fertility important to soil health, but a diverse and healthy soil biology is also imperative. An abundance of beneficial microbes, bacteria, and fungi create a healthy soil environment and suppress soil-borne pathogens and disease. MCT stimulates beneficial bacteria and fungi in the soil, enhancing the activity and reproduction of microbiology that improves soil structure.
MCT Attains Soil Health Naturally.
Huma Gro® Turf soil products with MCT achieve soil health naturally. No foreign microbes, bacteria, or fungi are added to the soil. Healthy soil biology is achieved through feeding the beneficial microbes that are not only present in all soil but unique to the individual soil. Using MCT as a base, Huma Gro® Turf has developed a full line of highly efficient products that make up a complete sustainable turf program.
All Huma Gro® Turf Products Contain MCT.
Sustainable Soil Fertility products with MCT flocculate hard soils. They relieve the stress of saline soils and heavy metals, enabling mineral nutrition of the turf. MCT promotes oxygenation and aeration, improving water penetration and water-holding capacity and freeing up nutrients in the root-zone.
Optimal Growth Management products encourage the natural production of plant hormones for quick and long-term results. Turf shows an almost immediate boost of energy, growth, vigor, and rooting. These products provide and maintain a long-term, natural plant hormonal balance. MCT allows optimal management of plant growth by promoting natural production of hormones within the plant itself that are quickly produced and naturally controlled.
Our Macronutrients and Micronutrients with MCT offer a variety of packaged fertilizer products that deliver all the essential macronutrients, secondary macronutrients, and micronutrients to promote the strong, steady turf growth and produces a better, greener turf. All include MCT for better transportation and absorption of nutrients by plants. All nutrient products can be applied in the soil or with a foliar spray, without phytotoxicity.
Our organic Zero-Residue Turf Protection products are OMRI® listed for environmentally-conscious superintendents to maximize the control of a broad spectrum of insects, nematodes, bacterial and/or fungal plant diseases, and pathogens—with no down time required!
Our natural Carbon-Rich Organic Acids are similar to the chemical make-up of the plants themselves, so roots or leaves easily assimilate nutrients and effectively put them to work. With our organic acids, turf and ornamentals maximize the potential of your fertilizer, resulting in better germination, more efficient foliar applications, and strong, healthy growth.
Our blend of nonionic Surfactants improves the penetration and distribution of water within the soil profile, ensuring that turf managers get the most out of their applied water and water-carried inputs.
What Can You Expect from MCT?
The following are a few things to expect from Huma Gro® Turf products:
- Activate beneficial aerobic soil bacteria and fungi
- Separate clay particles, increasing water penetration
- Reduce plant stress in high salinity soils
- Increase soil nutrient availability
- Increase root development
- Improve decomposition of organic matter
- Recycle nutrients tied up in organic matter
- Increase water retention
- Remediate toxic chemical residues in soil
- Increase nutrient availability in extreme-pH soils
- Improve soil structure
- Balance oxygen and carbon
- Reduce amounts of product required
- Have a positive impact on the environment
Small Can Be Powerful.
Build a healthy turf on the foundation of a healthy, fertile soil that is teaming with healthy microorganisms. Healthy microbiology, soil, and turf are created and maintained with Huma Gro® Turf products containing MCT. The tiny carbon molecules of MCT prove that smaller can be powerful in today’s trend of more, bigger, stronger.
Michael Gardner is Senior Director of Huma Gro® Turf Sales at Bio Huma Netics, Inc. Contact him at michael@humagroturf.com. Huma Gro® Turf products can be found at https://humagroturf.com/huma-gro-turf-products/.
Important Fall Steps for a Super Spring Season
October 11, 2018 By
By Michael Gardner, Senior Director of Huma Gro® Turf Sales at Bio Huma Netics, Inc.
[NOTE: This article first appeared in the October 2018 issue of Tee Times Golf Guide Magazine.]
With fall just beginning, it’s hard to believe that it’s time to think about spring. This is how far ahead local superintendents are planning, so that you, the golfer, can have the best playing conditions coming out of winter. Great early spring playing conditions are hugely dependent on the important techniques and action we take in the fall.
The consensus among turf grass specialists is the healthiest turf going into winter makes for the healthiest turf coming out of winter. Fighting against our best efforts is Mother Nature, with extreme temperatures, snow, wind, short days and long, cold nights.
We have been talking about and working on turf health throughout the long, hot, dry summer. Now is the time to start a fall program, before turf goes dormant for winter. The following are a few of the things that our local superintendents do to prepare for going into winter.
- Balance nutrients.
- Eliminate the thatch layer.
- Maximize root systems.
- Stimulate microbial diversity.
- Eliminate and prevent fungus.
Balanced Nutrition
Balanced nutrition is important while turf and soil are still receptive. Balanced nutrition includes micronutrients in addition to the macronutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Most turf grass specialists recommend avoiding high nitrogen going into winter as it can feed winter molds, such as snow mold. At Huma Gro® Turf, we like to start with the balanced nutrients in Turfplex® VII, which has a guaranteed analysis of 7-7-7 with 8 micronutrients.
Eliminate Thatch Layer
In addition to balanced nutrition, turf needs access to water. A key component in helping turf grass survive the winter is eliminating excess thatch and organic matter. We do this because water has trouble penetrating thatch layers, resulting in dry soils and limited root growth and microbial activity. Excessive thatch also holds moisture at the surface, which is a breeding ground for disease.
In addition, when we have a thatch layer over one quarter inch, the crowns of the plants are exposed to the cold winter temperatures. Soils with less thatch keep those crowns deeper in the soil and protected from extreme temperatures.
Fertil Humus® is a great way to decompose thatch and organic matter, resulting in a fertile and humus-rich soil. Surf-Max® is one of the few surfactants on the market that allows water to quickly penetrate the thatch layer.
Maximize Root Systems
Root systems are the anchor of our turf grass. The more extensive the root system, the better chance we have to achieve plant health. Huma Gro® Turf Breakout® encourages a dense, fibrous root system through hormone stimulation and horizontal cell division.
Stimulate Microbial Diversity
Soil is its own complex ecosystem. The more diverse this ecosystem, the healthier the soil. This diversity must be focused on beneficial microbes, beneficial bacteria and fungi. When beneficial biology levels are high, pathogens are naturally suppressed. Huma Gro® Turf Zap® feeds and stimulates this diverse population of beneficial organisms, achieving a proper, balanced soil biology.
Fungicide
All the work to achieve overall turf and soil health can go to waste if we fail to protect our course against winter fungus. Turf grass specialists recommend a healthy dose of fungicide going into winter. At Huma Gro® Turf, we prefer to do this organically. Promax® is an OMRI-Listed organic fungicide that is effective against turf pathogens. Not only does Promax® control turf grass disease but, unlike other harsh pesticides, it also builds soil health at the same time –– a win-win.
In summary, healthy turf withstands the stresses of winter and the extremes of Mother Nature. These preventive steps help superintendents take a proactive approach to prepare for winter. A proactive fall program reduces or eliminates the need for reactive spring repair and recovery.
When you notice how great your local course looks in the spring, be sure to tell your golf course superintendent how much you appreciate all the planning and hard work.
Now is the Best Time to Prepare Golf Turf Grass for an Awesome Autumn
September 25, 2018 By
By Michael Gardner, Senior Director of Huma Gro® Turf Sales at Bio Huma Netics, Inc.
[NOTE: This article first appeared in the September 2018 issue of Tee Times Golf Guide Magazine.]
It’s been a long, hot, dry summer but fall is just around the corner. Saturday, September 22nd, to be exact.
I’ve always looked forward to fall. With the cooler temperatures, the leaves will soon change to the magnificent colors of fall. Eventually the leaves will be drifting to the ground and covering our golf courses. It’s a beautiful time of year.
Complete that Last Aerification
With fall quickly approaching, there is work to be done. The warm weather is our last window of opportunity to get certain tasks completed. While the air and soil temperatures are still high, it’s the optimal time to complete one last aerification.
Get Back to Optimal Conditions
One of the most important aspects of aerification to golfers is the recovery time. The quicker we can get optimal pre-aerification playing conditions back on our greens, the quicker we’ll see the benefit of increased play—which will increase the bottom line for the course.
Increase Horizontal Growth
Let me dive a little deeper on how this is could be accomplished. Certain plant hormones that promote cell division and horizontal growth are present in all plants. Two important hormones are cytokinins and auxins. When we increase the levels of these hormones, we increase the horizontal growth of turf grass.
Speed Recovery
Horizontal growth has many benefits. Turfgrass recovers and fills in quickly after aeration or verticutting. Increasing hormone levels also speeds recovery from ball marks caused by day-to-day play. We can take it one step further to our fairways and tee boxes. Better root systems and horizontal growth aids divot recovery.
Do It Naturally
We could pound our turfgrass with synthetic hormones, but Huma Gro® Turf Breakout® can accomplished this process naturally and sustainably. Breakout® stimulates the existing hormones in the plant, giving the plant a little help with what Mother Nature has already supplied.
Pre-program Horizontal Growth
Stimulating the cytokinins and auxins in the plant with early programming is essential for maximum benefit. If turfgrass is pre-programmed with Breakout® a week before aeration or verticutting, the plant will already be in a horizontal growth pattern at the time of aerification or verticutting. The turfgrass will continue pre-programmed horizontal growth without skipping a beat. For optimal results, application of Breakout® needs to be five to seven days before any procedures to the greens. A follow-up application is recommended five days after aerification or verticutting.
Reduce Clippings
Breakout® is not a plant growth regulator. Breakout® does not stop the growth of the plant, but rather re-directs the plant’s energy to lateral growth or movement. This gives the superintendent an advantage by limiting top growth, which in turn reduces the clippings made during mowing. As a result, greens will have a uniformly smooth surface for all to enjoy. The fairways and tee boxes reap the same benefits: fuller turf with fewer clippings.
Get Ready
As fall, moderate weather, and increased play approaches, let’s prepare by improving course conditions. This could be our last window of opportunity.
5 Tips for Surviving the Drought
August 21, 2018 By
By Michael Gardner, Senior Director of Huma Gro® Turf Sales at Bio Huma Netics, Inc.
[NOTE: This article first appeared in the August 2018 issue of Tee Times Golf Guide Magazine.]
Let’s face it, it’s hot! It’s also dry in many of our areas. Some say these drought conditions started last fall and continued through a cold, dry winter. Now that we’ve hit the hot, dry summertime, drought stress can kill our turf and our budget.
You may be a golf course superintendent, professional landscaper, or a homeowner caring for your yard. Drought conditions affect us all. Our differences may be our access to water, our water costs, and our budget. But they’re all tight. The sooner we alleviate turf stress, the better.
Drought is crippling the Southwest United States. As a matter of fact, water costs have gotten so high in the San Diego area that Carmel Mountain Ranch Country Club closed indefinitely on July 9.
To avoid similar circumstances, we must make the water that’s available to us stretch to meet our needs – without killing the turf. How do we balance availability and cost against acceptable conditions?
1. Have a Plan
Good water management practices include a drought plan. In fact, if your region requires a water-withdrawal permit to irrigate, you’re probably required to have a drought management plan as well. Water conservation practices might include the following:
- Lined ponds
- Moisture monitoring systems
- Irrigation inspection and maintenance
- Scheduled aeration
- Alternative water sources (effluent and brackish water)
- Turf tolerant to brackish water
- Drought-tolerant, no-mow turf
- Raised mowing heights
- Decreased mowing frequency
- Naturalized grass areas with good soil conditions
- Root-pruning trees to avoid water competition
- Application of growth regulators before wilt/dormancy
- Soil improvement
- Root mass improvement
- Suspension of fertilizers and pesticides when turf is dormant
- The use of surfactants to increase water penetration
2. Use a Surfactant
Of that plan, one of the most important and quickest drought recovery aides is a high-quality soil surfactant. Surfactants decrease the surface tension of water, so it can penetrate and move through the soil more effectively. This makes available water more useful, productive, and efficient.
I’ve worked over 35 years in turf and agriculture and I’ve never seen a better surfactant than Huma Gro® Turf Surf-Max®. Surf-Max® works in a unique way, moving water horizontally before pushing water down through the soil profile. This has many benefits. On sand-based greens, we don’t lose water straight down through the soil profile. More water is kept in the root zone. In clay soils, Surf-Max® helps water penetrate with less pooling on the surface. Surf-Max® also moves water quickly and efficiently through thatch layers that are traditionally difficult for water to penetrate. Additionally, Surf-Max® increases the availability of nutrients and soil conditioning products in the soil as they are able to move freely with the water through the soil profile.
3. Improve Soil Health, Feed (beneficial) Fungi
In conjunction with surfactant treatment, soil needs to be conditioned to be more receptive to water. At Huma Gro® Turf, we take a sustainable approach of improving soil structure and soil health. Healthy soil allows better water infiltration and has better water-holding capacity. We accomplish this with Huma Gro® Turf Fertil Humus® to stimulate the beneficial fungi in the soil. Fertil Humus® also breaks down and recycles organic matter in the soil, producing humus-rich soil.
4. Feed (beneficial) Bacteria
On the other hand, Multi-Purpose™ improves soil structure by feeding the beneficial bacteria in the soil and stimulating microbial activities. The combination of Fertil Humus® and Multi-Purpose™ produces a long-term, healthy soil environment that saves water, makes nutrients more available, and sustains healthy turf.
5. Increase Root Mass
Finally, a superior root system should be developed. The more mass to the root system, the greater the water and nutrient uptake and overall plant health. Huma Gro® Turf increases root mass with a product called Breakout®. When applied to soil, Breakout® promotes a dense fibrous root system.
Recap
The sooner we start preventive and recovery measures, the sooner we see results. Here’s the recap:
- Preventive – be prepared: Have a drought plan.
- Quick fix – surfactant: Surf-Max® aids water penetration and distribution.
- Long-term – soil health (fungi): Huma Gro Fertil Humus® feeds beneficial fungi in soil.
- Long-term – soil health (bacteria): Multi-Purpose™ feeds beneficial bacteria in soil.
- Long-term – root mass: Breakout® promotes root growth.
Product trials for water infiltration and water savings are available upon request. A thatch infiltration bench test of Surf-Max® demonstrated by Dr. Johann Buck is available on YouTube: http://bit.ly/HGT-SurfMaxVideo
Let’s use water as efficiently as possible as soon as possible. Whether in drought or abundance, we can do more with less both on the golf course and at home.