AN ORGANIC GREENS PROGRAM
All plants need minerals to survive and grow. These minerals are absorbed through plant roots
but only in a form that can cross the cell wall and enter the plant vascular system. 99% of the
minerals in the root zone are in a form that cannot be absorbed by roots without the help of a
healthy soil environment. One purpose of healthy soil is to transform these minerals into a form
that roots can absorb. This process is carried out in the soil by bacteria, natural soil acids, root
excretions of “mining” acid, weathering, and a host of other natural processes. One question
that many turfgrass managers have is can a natural approach to nutrient application provide the
high level of nutrition required by putting green turfgrass? We believe the answer is YES.
Most turfgrass managers use fertilizer programs taken from modern agriculture where the
objective is to feed the plant with readily available nutrients in the form of man-made salts.
These ‘fast food’ minerals for plants are manufactured by various chemical reactions that create
new molecules of phosphorus, potassium, and other elements. Nitrogen is formed mostly from
ammonia, reacted to make ammonium sulfate, urea, and other compounds. These salts all
dissolve quickly in the soil to forms roots can absorb. The ‘Organic’ fertilizer program, on the
other hand, uses slightly modified natural forms of minerals and nitrogen sources.
Research comparing the use of alternate (organic, manures, etc) vs. synthetic fertilizers is
proving that there are measurable environmental benefits from programs using alternative
fertilizers. The results lead to the belief that the use of more organic products will benefit the
environment, reduce the need for pesticides, and encourage more natural soil organisms. There
is a strong grass roots movement mobilizing to use these types of products. The Washington
State Department of Agricultural, EPA and other organizations believe the use of such products;
along with Integrated Pest Management, are important parts of preserving and caring for the
environment. There are no golf courses in Eastern Washington, that are using only WSDA
and/or Organic Institute (OMRI) certified products.
Research at North Carolina State University (Bullock, et al 2001) reports alternative fertility
amendments (compost, animal litter, etc), enhanced beneficial soil microorganisms reduced
pathogen populations, increased soil organic matter, total carbon, and cation exchange capacity
(CEC), and lowered bulk density thus improving soil quality. Levels of available Ca, Mg and K
also increased. Disease causing soil fungi, especially Fusarium, take all, and Pythium was higher
in synthetic nitrogen managed soils. (Materon, et al, 1990) Similar research shows that soil
health improves over time and that crops and plants can be managed at today’s production
standards. In the case of just nitrogen, it is also known that synthetic nitrogen depletes organic
matter, which destroys soil health. The University of Illinois has several research reports on this
subject. (Mulvaney, Khan, et al)
10315 E Holman Road, Spokane WA 99206 www.planet-turf.com
Office: 509-921-5421 Fax: 509-927-8386
With regard to micronutrients, we already know that sulfate forms are not as efficient as chelated
forms. Chelation is a natural process where organic molecules improve micronutrient
availability to the plant. Chemists have found a way to synthesize chelate molecules but there
are plenty of natural chelates on the market.
Disease control is a bit more difficult but progress is being made in the area of bacterial based
and naturally derived fungicides. Controlling snow mold is the most difficult challenge at this
time.
Planet Turf has designed a program for golf course greens that uses only WSDA and OMRI
products. This program, along with proper cultural practices, will improve soil conditions,
reduce pesticide and water use, and encourage healthy plants that can defend themselves against
pest attack. The program is affordable, safe to soils and the environment, and shows the
maximum level of environmental awareness possible. The program starts in spring, and
continues to late October. At that time, we have to resort to using conventional fungicides for
the control of winter disease.
10315 E Holman Road, Spokane WA 99206 www.planet-turf.com
Office: 509-921-5421 Fax: 509-927-8386
PLANET TURF ORGANIC GREENS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
BASE NUTRIENT APPLICATION
PRODUCT
Perfect Blend 4-4-4 or
Henrikus Seasons 8-2-4
Organic Complexer
Humic Acid
Wick OG Soil Wetting
Agent and Conditioner
Yeoman Mag Ko Sul
(Mg, K and S)
Intracept Bio Stimulant
and Micros
MicroPak Polyamine
Micros
Iron Polyamine
Sonnet Fungicide
APPLICATION
RATE
1 lb/nitrogen/1000
TIMING
COST/ACRE/
APPLICATION
$450
5 gal per acre
Spring, Summer, Fall
3 applications
5 applications, monthly
5 gal per acre
4 applications, monthly
$60
5 gal per acre
$30
1 pt/acre
3 applications, June, July,
August
Monthly
0.5 gal/acre
Monthly
$25
1 gal/acre
1.4 gal/acre
Monthly
Every 2 weeks, 8
applications
$55
$50
$75
$20
Based on the above application, for a total of 3.22 lbs of nitrogen per year, the total cost is
$4,375 per acre, per season. (March – October)
10315 E Holman Road, Spokane WA 99206 www.planet-turf.com
Office: 509-921-5421 Fax: 509-927-8386