Turf

TURF TECH Feeding Shorter Sod Cycles Unique fertilizer ensures the grass is greener on a Utah sod farm's side of the fence When Mark DeHart looked out at a 20-acre field trial at emerald Turf Farm, he knew that he'd found a seed treat- ment product he'd be using again on the sod operation. The trial tested Protinus Seed nutrition, a seed-applied fertilizer prod- uct. The fertilizer treatment has been commercially available for about five years and con- tinues to receive attention in the grass seed indus- try. In the emerald Turf Farm trial, deHart reported visible results in both above- and below-ground development since emergence. Based on the results seen in its field-scale trial, emerald Turf Farm has started to include Protinus in its regular seeding program. Tolbert worked with deHart to set up the trial. deHart split a 20-acre field, half with treated bluegrass seed and the other half untreated. Both halves were seeded at the same rate and received the same water treatment after planting. "The seed treated with Protinus emerged several days earlier than the "Typically, we water younger grass every four and a half days, and then extend that timing out to one time a week on more mature grass. If we can cut back watering sooner after seeding, that will save a substantial amount of water," deHart said. Consistent Results of a Proven Product Protinus was developed and is now manufactured and sold by Wolf Trax, a plant nutrition company based in Winnipeg, canada. It is designed to supply needed nutrients safely and directly onto the seed. Jennifer Bailes, More Crop off Same Land From the better start the grass is The protinus-treated bluegrass seed has had a head start from emergence on in a trial at emerald Turf Farm. The stand in the treated field was more advanced and more filled in than the stand in the untreated field. showing as a result of the Protinus treat- ment, deHart says he's hoping to shave two to three months off his typical cycle. "We normally achieve the qual- ity of sod we're looking for at 23 to 24 months," explained deHart. "From what we've seen in seedling vigor, root mass and leaf blade growth, the grass is devel- oping faster. We are hoping to be able to harvest the sod seeded with Protinus at 20 months." Countless Results from Better Start emerald Turf Farm's certified crop advisor, Todd Tolbert, first told deHart about the unique seed product after see- ing good results with Protinus on corn and alfalfa grown in the area. 14 www.westernturfmag.com untreated seed, but the real differences become more obvious as the crop devel- ops," Tolbert said. "as the grass matures, the line between the two halves is more and more distinct. The treated side is thicker and taller, and when you dig up samples, the Protinus-treated grass has a more developed root system." deHart reported that the 10 acres with the Protinus treatment reached the 4- to 5-leaf stage 10 days earlier than the other side of the field. "That stage is criti- cal. That's when we can start weed con- trol and such," explained deHart. The faster development aids not only earlier harvesting dates but also conser- vation efforts. emerald Turf Farm works tirelessly to reduce water and soil waste. deHart is looking at Protinus treatment to reduce overall water consumption. Protinus product manager, com- pares Protinus to a plant baby food. "all plants require small amounts of micronutrients for proper develop- ment. after exten- sive testing, we found the nutrients that delivered the greatest response across crops and the right ratio of those nutrients. With Protinus, we are feeding essen- tial nutrients to the seedling before it can effectively feed itself." In addition to supplying nutrients directly to the seed, Protinus is formu- lated to mimic what roots do naturally— create a nutrient-friendly zone by opti- mizing pH—in the zone immediately around the seed. "Protinus has been used by growers on a wide variety of crops and in differ- ent soils and growing conditions," adds Bailes. "Growers see consistently similar results, and regularly comment on early- season growth benefits. We are pleased to provide leading growers like Mark deHart with an innovative and affordable product to help make the most of their seed investments." You can learn more at www.wolftrax.com. WT

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