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Introduction
Our expertise lies in providing tailored agronomic advice to professional turf managers, focusing on optimising soil conditions to promote healthy turf growth.
Improving soil health requires a robust nutritional program that is developed using the results of a soil test. This provides an accurate account of both the nutrients levels and imbalances in the soil. Soil testing also identifies the factors which affect nutrient uptake such as pH and CEC).
It is best to carry out soil testing before renovation. Soil health management practices, such as amendment applications to create a balanced soil, can be incorporated into the soil as the renovation is carried out. This reduces any unnecessary disruption to the playing surface at other times of the year.
Essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium can also be applied at renovation to correct deficiencies and balance the soil. If a heavy renovation is carried out, then regrowth and root development are essential, and applications of the right nutritional products becomes even more critical for turf recovery.
The Importance of Nutritional Balance in Soil Health Management
A nutritionally balanced soil has good soil structure which exhibits the following characteristics:
Good drainage
Friable soil that is non-compacted
Economical use of applied fertilisers
Aerobic soil profile
Active microbial population
Turf that is growing in a nutritionally balanced soil will outperform turf growing in nutrient deficient soil.
Soil Testing Methodology
We use the universally accepted analytical methods of sufficiency levels of available nutrient (SLAN) and base saturation calculations to identify agronomic issues such as nutrient imbalances, high sodium levels and pH problems.
By conducting comprehensive testing, we can work with our customers to determine the root causes of turf distress. This data helps turf managers make informed decisions and develop effective management plans that lead to improved turf quality over time.
Making Informed Decisions
Soil testing is a crucial tool in making informed decisions about fertilisers and soil amendments. By providing a detailed snapshot of the soil's nutrient levels, pH, and other key characteristics, soil testing enables turf managers to tailor their product applications to the specific needs of the soil. This ensures the turf receives the right nutrients in the correct amounts, avoiding both deficiencies and excesses.
Informed decisions based on soil analysis can also lead to significant cost savings. By identifying exactly what nutrients are lacking, a soil analysis prevents the unnecessary purchase and application of inappropriate products. Additionally, understanding soil pH levels can guide the selection of appropriate amendments, such as lime or gypsum to optimise nutrient availability.
Conclusion
Ultimately, a correctly taken and interpreted soil analysis will enable:
a more precise and efficient approach to soil management;
ensure the right products are applied;
create a robust soil environment;
promote the development of strong turfgrass root systems; and
produce healthy and resilient turfgrass surfaces.
By following the best practices for turf care, of which soil health management is a critical part, both the economic and environmental sustainability of turf management practices can be enhanced.
Please contact us to discuss your soil health management program today.
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