6/27/2024

Now that we are entering the heat of summer and the heart of the playing season, I would like to take a moment to look back on what we endured this spring getting us to where we are now. For most of the northern and Midwest parts of the US, spring started early. We had abnormally hot temperatures with periods of heavy rainfall, and we had more pestilence than I can remember this early in the year.

From elevated levels of ABW to widespread take-all patch, foliar anthracnose, aggressive dollar spot, leaf spot, and heavy weed pressure, there have been various challenges taking a toll on playing surfaces. What a wild spring we had indeed! I mention these things to emphasize the importance of summer stress conditioning and promoting root health to set yourself up for success under stress.

Root Health Resources to Set You Up for the Best

Our directors of agronomy at Harrell’s have brought innovative products into our portfolio making Harrell’s one of the leading root health companies in our industry. More importantly, these products provide solutions to turf managers when battling tough environmental conditions. The start to good root health is a solid cultural practice program, and having the right products and team in your corner will allow you to build it.

Along with building strong cultural practices, we have brought several products to the market that fit the needs of any type of location. A few key products I’d like to mention are our new product Azo Root, Harrell's Bio-MAX® Mycorrhizae Pro, Amino Pro V, and EarthMAX® Organic.

Azo Root

Azo Root contains Azospirillum brasilense which both induces rooting and increases the plant’s ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for growth. It has been studied for years for its ability to grow roots and promote plant health. The problem with getting this to effectively work is a delivery system that allows live microbes to survive and do their job, which is where Azo Root’s innovative and unique delivery system makes it quite easy to use in the field.

To read more about the history, benefits, and packaging of Azo Root, check out this article by Harrell’s Director of Agronomy, Dr. Paul Giordano.

Mycorrhizae Pro

Mycorrhizae Pro is like Azo Root, but mycorrhizae pro is a concentrated liquid mycorrhizae formula of the Rhizophagus irregularis species that does not require special packaging/activation. It is a soil additive that enhances root growth and aids in the uptake of nutrients. Along with its benefit of increasing root length, mass, and health, it also increases turf color and chlorophyll content. Here is a picture of a plug taken with Mycorrhizae Pro, Amino Pro V, EarthMAX Organic, and Fleet® 100.

To read more about Mycorrhizae Pro, check out this article testimonial from Crag Burn Golf Club on their success with adding the product to their root health program.

Amino Pro V

Amino Pro V is a plant-based protein hydrolysate in peptide form and is readily absorbed by the leaves, shoots, and roots of the plant. Its main benefits are that it promotes abiotic stress tolerance, stimulates photosynthesis, and promotes increased root mass.

EarthMAX Organic

EarthMAX Organic is an all-natural soil supplement that is very high in Carbon (22.0%), and humic acid, and contains over 300 different microbial species. It too promotes root growth, stress tolerance, and may increase micronutrient uptake.

Your Harrell’s Rep Has More Root Health Solutions

The golf boom is still growing as is the demand for high-quality playing surfaces. Mowing heights continue to drop lower and more frequently which is stressful on the turf this time of year. That along with heavy play, hot temperatures, mechanical stress, as well as other environmental issues, can take a toll on your root system. I encourage you to work with your local Harrell's Sales Representative to go over these products and programs to see what best fits your property. As always, all of us at Harrell’s appreciate all that you do, and it is a pleasure serving you. I wish you success for the rest of the golf season!