Aerification Made Simple
Turfgrass growth is ramping up with the increasing temperatures and day lengths. The weather has offered either more or less rain than desired in most regions, some may have been lucky enough to receive adequate amounts without extreme patterns. Whatever situation you may be experiencing, alleviating compaction and accumulated organic material on highly maintained turf by a means of aerification is necessary for ensuring long-term health and aesthetics.
Aerification loosens compaction and allows oxygen to come in contact with the roots and helps strengthen turf to allow for increase stress tolerance. There are many benefits to disrupting the surface in turf, but it is perceived negatively in some regards because of the initial surface area impact, especially on golf greens. Aerification takes place in many forms: core aerification, solid tine, water-driven, and air-driven. Either method allows for the opening of the surface and allows for better gas exchange and proper air water balance. Aerification methods are chosen based on specific site conditions and ability to perform practices economically. Solid tine aerification is quick and usually the most economical way to alleviate the surface; however, this procedure only opens the surface temporarily and does not remove any organic material. If the removal of organic material is required, then core aerification is necessary. Additionally, spacing, size, and depth of tines determine the amount of surface disruption, and is usually decided by site conditions and use, ultimately determined by the desired turf expectations.
Right Recovery Program
Depending on the amount of disruption created by aerification, a speedy recovery program is necessary for maintaining happy customers and can easily be accomplished by having a proper nutritional plan in place. Slightly increasing nutrients before and after aerification with soluble products such as YaraMila® TURF ROYALE® and YaraRega® NK GREEN™ offers immediately available nutrients for promoting growth and recovery in a timely manner. Enhanced with combined nutrient synergies, YaraMila TURF ROYALE and YaraRega NK GREEN homogeneous fertilizer will boost recovery and encourage critical root growth for efficient nutrient uptake and stress tolerance. These products also are recommended for blend bases for enhancing product performance and are easily included if requested. Particle distribution is even more critical for recovering turf consistently from aerification.
Particle Distribution
See on the left the particle distribution with YaraMila TURF ROYALE. All prills contain the same amount of N, P, K and S.
- No nutrient segregation
- No filler
Picture on the right shows the particle distribution of a typical blend derived from six different components including a 7th component of limestone used as a filler.
- Poor nutrient distribution
- Segregation due to particle size and densities
Remember, aerification is necessary for highly maintained turf, but it is crucial to mitigate the disruption of the surface with a proper nutritional plan. Customers want pristine conditions throughout the year and YaraMila TURF ROYALE (also available in minis) and YaraRega NK GREEN are great solutions for exceeding customer expectations.
Did you know that YaraMila TURF ROYALE makes a perfect blend base?
If a blended product is desired for either controlled-release nitrogen or micronutrient components, it is suggested to use a homogeneous product like YaraMila TURF ROYALE for reducing unnecessary substrates and ensuring your turf has all the nutritional elements necessary for sustaining proper heath during routine management practices and the most adverse conditions.
Contact your Yara Sales Agronomist to find a YaraMila TURF ROYALE distributor near you.
Neil Mayberry - Crop Manager, Turf & Ornamental
