10/7/2020 - By Jason Frank

Turf managers are always looking for ways to maximize plant quality and promote plant health. The basics of agronomy tell us if we have a good water source for irrigation, a well-balanced soil, a solid nutritional program, and a pest prevention strategy, we’ll have a solid foundation for a healthy plant. However, turf managers are often asked to do more, to push the limits of agronomy and get the most out of their turf surfaces—whether that be with green speeds in golf or a lower cut-height in sports turf. Sometimes, these expectations are a tall order, but they need to be met at all costs without compromising the aesthetics that a high-quality turfgrass provides.

One way this has been achieved recently is through the use of seaweed extracts. Seaweed extracts have been extremely popular in the turfgrass market over the past several years. These products are derived from kelp and have been proven to increase antioxidant production in the plant, as well as to promote cell division and root growth. There are several brands turf managers use, most of which are produced from a form of kelp source called Ascophyllum nodosum.

At Harrell’s, our Seaweed Extract product, which is also derived from Ascophyllum nodosum, has worked very successfully for many of our satisfied customers. It has become a staple in many of our customers’ programs and even a staple in our Harrell’s Nematode and Root Health Program. In a 2-year study conducted at the University of Florida, we were able to almost double root length (compared to the untreated control) in plots where the Root Health Program was combined with traditional nematicides. In that same study, the addition of the Root Health Program to traditional nematicides showed a 16% increase in root promotion when compared to the nematicides alone.

However, although some would be happy with those results, we’re never happy with the status quo, and we always strive to find ways to push for more. Welcome our new seaweed extract 2.0 a.k.a. Seaweed A+E. This product combines the benefits of our original Seaweed Extract source, Ascophyllum nodosum, and pairs it with a new source, Ecklonia maxima.

What is Ecklonia maxima?

Whereas Ascophyllum nodosum is mined in the Northern Atlantic, Ecklonia maxima is another type of seaweed extract derived from a kelp mined off the coast of South Africa. This is significant because different species of this plant in different environments could provide different qualities that promote different responses when applied to turf. At Virginia Tech, they utilize a Mung Bean Bioassay technique to rapidly identify the effects of a biostimulant on adventitious root formation and growth. Over the years, this technique has aligned well with what we can expect from results in turf. In our studies with them, we found some interesting results.

The plant on the left was applied with our regular Seaweed Extract derived from Ascophyllum nodosum. You can see it provides the general root promotion we expect out of these types of products—a high density of adventitious roots. However, when you observe the plant in the middle, applied with Ecklonia maxima, you can see a clear contrast. The middle plant shows the promotion of larger, longer roots as compared to the plant on the left. Then, when you combine the two (observed in the picture on the right), it looks to promote a greater root system overall versus applying the two products on their own. Keep in mind, these are all compared to an untreated control that did nothing (pictured below). So, these results quite clearly show the advantage of incorporating seaweed extract into your program. Adding either source will certainly promote your root growth, but by adding the pair with Seaweed A+E, you get the best of both worlds. 

At Harrell’s, we’re always looking to do more, whether that’s through developing new products or seeking improvements upon existing ones. We’re always working hard to create better solutions to your ever-evolving problem set. Seaweed A+E gives you the benefit of the traditional seaweed extract that you know and love and couples it with the additional benefit of a new source to give you better overall results and increased confidence in your turf health. Ask your Harrell’s rep today about our NEW Seaweed A+E.