Turf nutrition

Marathon® ALGAE fertiliser confirms its effectiveness

Thanks to its hybrid formulation and patented technology, Marathon® ALGAE fertiliser – developed by Olmix – provides perfect, long-term turf nutrition with significant action on soil microbial activity. It’s sure to win over greenkeepers and sports ground managers.

Nitrogen release comparable to fertilisers containing IBDU or urea formaldehyde

The XSER® complexation technology contained in Marathon® ALGAE organomineral fertiliser enables nitrogen release kinetics over 4 months, equivalent to those obtained with slow-release formulations containing isobutylidene diurea (IBDU) or methylene urea [Figure 1].

This feature of Marathon® ALGAE fertiliser means that it can be used to feed turf over the long term, with a technology that has a better environmental profile than chemical formulas.

As the nitrogen is released slowly, it does not cause the grass to grow too quickly, necessitating frequent mowing. The risk of loss through leaching is reduced, as is the risk of scorch to foliage and roots.

Encourage root development and grass density rather than growth

Progressive, balanced nutrition in the form of ammonium nitrogen rather than nitrate nitrogen enables grasses to develop a highly branched root system, and to establish their tillers more effectively [Photo opposite]. That’s why Marathon® ALGAE fertiliser promotes a high grass density per square metre for a thick, resistant turf.

Studies carried out in partnership with the university of Hohenheim in Germany have highlighted the increase in root biomass with Marathon® ALGAE compared with a nitrate-based control fertiliser: +50% after 100 days.

Fighting thatch building, the other action of Marathon® ALGAE

One of the factors causing deterioration in the quality of turfs is the accumulation of dead organic matter from mown grass residues. The formation of thatch blocks the circulation of water, air and nutrients to the roots and exposes the turf to fungal diseases. To prevent this build-up, it is necessary to stimulate the soil’s microbial activity so that it can break down this organic matter quickly.

At Amersfoort in the Netherlands, three years’ monitoring of two sports fields fertilised with Marathon® ALGAE demonstrated the effect of fertiliser on accelerating the decomposition of organic matter [Figure 2].

As well as reducing the amount of thatch, this accelerated decomposition of organic matter is accompanied by the mineralisation of its nutrient compounds. This action releases more minerals, which are then available to feed the existing turf. On the two sport pitches monitored, the quantities of bioavailable nitrogen in the soil increased by 27 and 30 kg/ha respectively between year N and year N+3.

Fertilising golf courses and sports fields is a key factor in managing the quality of grassed areas. The choice of fertiliser to use is crucial, as it determines the intensity and regularity of the turf’s growth, its quality and its resistance to trampling and shearing. Marathon® ALGAE organo-mineral fertiliser and its patented XSER® technology combine the benefits of a slow-release fertiliser for gradual, long-lasting action, with the stimulation of the soil’s biological activity essential for maintaining conditions conducive to the development of high-quality turf.

For all Marathon enquiries, contact: Collier Turf Care Ltd

01328 700600 sales@collier-turf-care.co.uk