3/29/2022 - By John Keeler

Aerification achieves three important objectives.

• Aerification relieves soil compaction.
• Aerification provides a method to improve the soil structure and gas exchange, and
• Aerification helps manage the accumulation of excess thatch/organic matter.

There are many programs out there and we all have our own little spin on recovery, but to get the quick recovery you need requires a lot of little/timely applications. Keep reading for our tried and true aerification tips pertaining to spray, soil, and seed.

Pre- and Post-Aerification (the week before and the week after aerification)
One of the most important sprays you can make before and after aerification is the application of Seaplant Extract, Humic, Fulvic, and Amino acids. 
First, Seaplant Extract is a natural plant hormone produced in root tips that is involved with several growth and stress response processes. University research has documented the benefits of Seaplant applications to turf, particularly leading up to stressful events like aerification. 
Also, Humic acids serve as a major building block in the formation of organic components of the soil. Fulvic acids are more biologically active than humic acids and in addition to being a food source for microbes, they also aid in nutrient availability and plant uptake. 
Finally, it is important to understand that these acids aren’t a single acid but rather a mixture of many different acids which serve many different complex purposes in the soil. I would also recommend adding  Amino Pro V to the mix. Amino Pro V has been demonstrated in university research to enhance root growth.

Pre and Post-Aerification Spray
3 oz/m - BioMax 4-0-0 - (Seaplant Extract and Fulvic acids) 
4 oz/m - EarthMAX Organic - (Carbon)
2 oz/m - Amino Pro V -  (Amino acids - root promoting)
4 oz/m - N30 Plus - Nutrient w/Seaweed extract
3 oz/m - Title Phyte - Phosphite for plant stress, disease control, and supplemental potassium
Primo or Cutless - I like to add if I'm planting seed
A Chemistry - something for overwatering, think root pythium, algae!

Soil Application
Nutrition and fertility are critical to building root mass, improving density, and enhancing overall disease management properties to protect your turf. How about adding a micro-nutrient package to the soil? This will keep your soil in balance. I would recommend you to consider adding in an organic fertilizer. The slow, even feed minimizes top growth and enhances microbial activity to reduce thatch.

Some other ideas...
0-0-11 has 13% Ca, 3.15% Mg, 1.6% Mn. - A nice balanced fertilizer to add to your plant's foundation.
17-0-19, 40% Nut, 37% AS, SOP - quick response, nice over the top application
0-0-50 Polyon - 16-week release of potassium - balanced K!!
7-15-15 - a nice starter fertilizer for seeding
Pro Mag - low in Magnesium? a good way to go...

Seed
The choice is yours. Choose the variety you have or choose a new one. Better yet, choose a variety that fits into your management practices. Some of these newer varieties need a lot of extra work and a twice-a-year verticutting and topdressing just won’t be enough. Check out your regions seed guide for more information:

• Mid-Atlantic Seed Guide
• Coastal Plains and Southeast Seed Guide
• Midwest Seed Guide
• Northeast Seed Guide

Aerification is the best time to introduce new or old seed varieties. But, just bear in mind that if you decide to choose one of the new varieties, you must commit to that variety and all of its needs. It will be a different growth process and program so it becomes even more important to be intentional about every step, ensuring that the variety adapts well to its new environment.

Lastly...
Aerification can be a long and tedious process and, as you've seen from this article, there are a lot of things to consider. Don't forget to get pizza for the crew!
If you need any more information on any of the products mentioned throughout this article, or advice on how to approach your aerification program (pre and post) reach out to your local Harrell's Rep.