10/1/2024 - By Tyler Otero

We are nearly two months removed from the most recent iteration of the Olympic Summer Games held in Paris, and we are at the tail-end of what many consider to be one of the most grueling summers for turf managers in recent memory. The roller coaster of the summer has had a significant impact on turf health; from prolonged drought for some, to never-ending rains for others, there have been plenty of challenges to go around. Northern climates received extended periods of heat and humidity typically reserved for our southern brothers and sisters, and the folks down south have dealt with never-ending rain it seems. I have seen more than a few videos on social media detailing the excessive heat out west. In summary, no one had it easy this summer.

All that being said, two questions come to mind. 1. How does the turf recover? And 2. How do we build a stronger plant to fight these environmental stresses in the future? The answer to both questions is a simple one, grow longer, stronger root systems.

So how does Harrell’s help you with that? How can we fuel your turf like an Olympic athlete?

Root Fuel Products

Harrell’s, as a company, can help turf managers deal with a variety of turf issues, but one area where we shine the brightest is our root health program. As we head into the fall, now is the time to think about aeration and other cultural practices that will build the foundation for next season. Also, this is a time of year when the roots are more receptive to the uptake of nutrients that they need to grow stronger. There are four products this Fall I would like to highlight:

·         Harrell's 0-0-50 - 100% POLYON® controlled-release fertilizer PCSOP

·         Azo Root

·         Harrell's EarthMAX® Organic

·         Harrell's Bio-MAX® Soil Enhancer

The Standard for Root Fuel

Harrell's POLYON® controlled-release fertilizer 0-0-50 K is safe, consistent, and predictable. Incorporating this product into your program allows you to deliver K weekly effectively and economically in a form that is available for use. This is especially important in the fall months when the plant is using that potassium to build up carbohydrate reserves in the root system for the following year.

The Root Fuel “New Kid”

One of Harrell’s latest offerings is Azo Root. This product solves the decades-old problem of turf managers asking if “bugs in a jug” do anything. Utilizing Live Microbe Technology, Azo Root brings two unique innovations into one solution to help grow better roots. First, it contains the plant root-promoting Azospirillum brasilense, proven to significantly increase rooting and plant performance. Secondly, it is the only product that uses a patented packaging system to allow users to grow fresh Azo bacteria to ensure maximum concentrations on demand, all in one jug.

The Root Fuel OG’s

The final two products are Harrell's EarthMAX® Organic and Harrell's Soil Enhancer. These two have been in our portfolio for some time, but we have discovered that they combine well with Azo Root, to provide a more robust root mass. EarthMAX® is our industry-leading carbon-based, OMRI-listed, foliar and soil additive that contains humic acid used to improve soil health and promote resistance to stress. Finally, Harrell’s Soil Enhancer is a liquid foliar and soil additive specifically formulated as a soil microbe food to promote microbial activity. It contains simple sugars and kelp extract, as well as a non-ionic surfactant. Soil enhancer in conjunction with the live bacteria from Azo Root creates an optimum environment in the root zone for health and vigor.

Get Connected for More Root Fuel Solutions

It is no secret that your turf’s root system is one of the greatest keys to your success. Give your Harrell's Rep a call today to hear about these root-promoting products and all other solutions that we provide. Remember, our success as a company is dependent on your success as our customer and we look forward to partnering with you going forward.