The use of biostimulants or non-nutritional growth enhancers in turf grass management has increased dramatically over the past several years Although these products are not sold as fertilizers or pesticides, they are commonly used by turfgrass managers to improve turfgrass health, vigor and overall quality, especially in turf that is under environmental or cultural stress. A quick look at the advertising in most turfgrass trade publications shows that there are more than 20 products that would fallinto the category of "biostimulants." There are many claims that accompany the promotional literature of these materials. For example, the promotional materials accompanying 15 turfgrass biostimulant products randomly selected lists more than 40 specific claims of enhanced turfgrass performance. For example, "healthier roots," "increased root branching," "improved tolerance to low and high temperature stresses," "improved nutrient uptake," "reduced fertilizer requirements," "reduce soil compaction," "improve soil structure," "reduces thatch," "increased wear tolerance," "intensify plants enzyme system, etc. Product labels and advertising also indicate a variety of "active ingredients." For the fifteen products mentioned above, 60 active ingredients were listed. For example, "cytokinins," "gibberellic acid," "seaweed," "carbohydrates," "cellulose fiber," "complex sugars," "simple sugars," "invert sugars," "lignin," "molasses," "cultured living microorganisms," "mycorrhizae," "yeast," "humic substances," "chelated micronutrient," "amides," "antioxidants," "enzymes," "natural wetting agents," "proteins," "peptides," "vitamins," "chemical activators," "carbon rich molecules held together in low energy hydrogen bonds that are flexible," etc.
展开▼
