Evaluation of organic fertilizers and biostimulants on sand-based golf greens and football fields
Aamlid, Trygve; Hanslin, Hans Martin; Molteberg, Bjørn; Susort, Åge; Steensohn, Anne; Enger, Frank; Haaland, Palle
Abstract
Twelve fertilizer/biostimulant products or product families were compared with mineral fertilizer in three two-year trials on USGA greens and sand-based football fields in southern Norway. Within each trial, all treatments were received the same amount of total nitrogen per year. Substitution of some of the mineral fertilizer with Gro-Power® improved turfgrass quality in one trial. Otherwise, the organic fertilizers and biostimulants producted results that were equal to or inferior to the control treatment. In conclusion, fertilization of sand-based golf greens and football fields ought to be based on light and frequent applications of mineral fertilizer throughout the growing season. Organic fertilizers and biostimulants can, at best, be supplements to such a fertilizer program.