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Progressive Turf Research Report
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UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA UPDATES
Progressive Turf approached The University of Florida to test its seed extract liquid foliars. Along with the usual evaluations of quality and color statistical evaluation of Density, Algae and Root Development were rated. The findings of this research prove particularly valuable to the golf course superintendent and turf manager . He/she will better understand the dramatic role these extremely beneficial products can play, in developing and maintaining quality putting and turf surfaces. Dr. John Cisar evaluated the performance of weekly applications of several foliar fertilizers on greens height Tifeagle Bermudgrass. The research plots were rated for Density, Quality / Color, and Algae. All data was subject to statistical analysis and significant means were identified. Treatments were initiated on February 21, 2003 and continued on a weekly basis until completion of the trial. The research was conducted using a randomized block design with 3 replications per treatment. Important to note is that during the spring of 2003, Ft. Lauderdale experienced unusually cool/cold temperatures followed by the normal dry, hot conditions. The below normal temperature conditions set a record in Ft. Lauderdale. The soybean seed extract foliar fertility products tested were Progressive Turf's 10-3-5, and 5-0-7 turf special products, derived from the patented oilseed extract. |
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MOST RESEARCH ON TURF FERTILIZERS RARELY EVALUATES DENSITY
Density is a function of carbohydrate allocation, which is a unique performance characteristic of Progressive Turf fertility products. Turf Density, the result of more tillers and stolons, is highly influenced by how the turfgrass plant allocates its carbohydrate production and reserves. Turfgrass treated with foliar fertilizers that rely on N-P-K and micronutrients typically force the turf plant to use the majority of its carbohydrate reserves to support tillering and stolon growth. Therefore, it is not surprising that turf density is rarely evaluated during foliar fertilizer studies. Similarly, as carbohydrate reserves build up in the green's profile, the plant ROOT SYSTEM is provided with the nutrients needed for development. Furthermore, the unique, organic material contained in Progressive Turf products results in microbial stimulation, which enhances nutrient availability in the root zone.
Progressive Turf fertilizers are based on a uniquely new, patented approach to turf grass fertility that represents a departure from traditional fertilizers that depend on N-P-K as their primary nitrogen and mineral nutrient source. Unlike chemical fertilizers, the basis of Progressive Turf liquid foliar applied fertilizers is a patented, nutrient and organic compound package extracted from oilseeds. The soybean oil seed extract contains a complex of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and nutritionally valuable organic compounds. The patented soybean extract is the very nutrient material that the seed utilizes for germination and nourishment. The Progressive Turf organically based, plant nutrition products also contain all major, secondary, and minor mineral elements in available (chelated) form, a balanced nitrogen complex, and high levels of soluble carbohydrates, to enrich the soil profile and encourage microbe based mineral nutrient availability and uptake. Seeds contain minerals and nutrients not found Progressive Turf fertilizers are designed to improve turf grass color without promoting excessive top growth. Absent the heavy carbohydrate demand by turf grass to support top growth, turf grass plants treated with Progressive Turf fertilizers are now allowed to allocate their carbohydrate reserves to encourage lateral growth, tillering, and other processes that contribute to improved color density, vigor, and improved root system development - even during cooler growing conditions. |
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Foliar fertilizer research conducted by the University of Florida
The following charts summarize the results of the foliar fertilizer research conducted by the University of Florida Tifeagle Bermudagrass. Please note the Quality/Color improvements and the density improvements following applications of Progressive Turf's foliar fertilizers.
Please click here to review charts. |
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2003 PROGRESSIVE TURF PROJECT LIQUID FERTILIZER EFFICACY STUDY
Please click here to review study. |
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:
This short-term experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplemental fertilizer and organic input programs on Tifeagle and Tifdwarf bermudagrass. For the Tifeagle portion of the experiment, Treatment 1 generally had the highest turf quality ratings, greater turf density ratings (visual), and lowest algae ratings during the 2 month period (Tables 1 and 2). On most dates there were significant differences among the treatments for the parameters tested (Tables 1 and 2).
In the Tifeagle plots, Treatment 1 had numerically greater root mass than other treatments. Perhaps significant differences between treatments will be observed when the roots are ashed and the organic and sand components of the samples can be better separated.
Based upon the differential responses of the two grasses to the supplemental application, it appears that different treatment protocols should be used based on grass type. For example, Tifeagle benefited most from Treatment 1. However, more testing should be done before a recommendation is made. Because this was a brief, preliminary test done for two months at one location, further and longer term testing is highly suggested. |
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RECOMMENDATIONS BY PROGRESSIVE TURF PRODUCTS, FROM THE DATA COLLECTED FROM THE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH:
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5-0-7 applied at normal rates under cool/cold temperatures will induce a rapid color response. For colder temperatures, use 5-0-7 at the 25.6 oz. per 1000 sq. ft. Progressive Turf 5-0-7 at the normal/maintenance and higher rates is safe to turf.
- Progressive Turf fertilizers Treatment 1, Treatment 2 and Treatment 3 provide superior density and color response over a popular competitor's foliar fertilizer.
- Progressive Turf fertilizer Treatment 1 provides the best results for density and color/quality ratings.
- Progressive Turf fertilizer Treatment 1 can be used to rescue turf under stress conditions, such as poor color and low density. Once the turf has recovered Treatment 2 and Treatment 3 can be implemented to maintain superior turf conditions, for both density and color/ quality.
- Progressive Turf Treatment 1 shows turf with a high-density rating, which will help suppress algae infections. Algae will infect greens more readily if the turf grass is thin. High-density turf grass is less prone for algae infection.
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