Marathon ALGAE confirms its effectiveness

Thanks to its hybrid formula and patented technology, Marathon ALGAE fertiliser provides perfect, long-term turf nutrition, without the drawbacks of mineral or organic fertilisers.

There are many specialities available to greenkeepers to fertilise their turf: mineral fertilisers, organic fertilisers, coated, foliar, etc. While each of these formulas has its advantages, they also have their limitations. For most of them, their weak action on the biological activity of the soil leads to an excessive accumulation of organic matter, favouring the appearance of thatch and fungal diseases. It was with this in mind that Olmix developed the Marathon ALGAE range, combining the benefits of balanced, long-lasting turf nutrition with significant action on soil microbial activity.

Thanks to its XSER complexation technology, Marathon ALGAE organomineral fertiliser shows nitrogen release kinetics over four months equivalent to those obtained with slow-release formulations containing isobutylidene diurea (IBDU) or methylene urea.

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.

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.

One of the factors causing deterioration in the quality of turf is the accumulation of dead organic matter from mown grass clippings. 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.

The choice of fertiliser to use is crucial, as it determines 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 development of quality turf.

n sales@collier-turf-care.co.uk