Advancing the Field of Turf Care

There is a recent article in the Crab Life Newsletter that really highlights what Agricultural Solutions is trying to achieve with their products.  When you think of the best golf courses around the country you think of quality, longevity, history and tradition.  We should be thinking about greens care in the same manner.  That's what this article is all about; aiming for longevity in turf care and not temporary harmful fixes.  Agricultural Solutions is dedicated to continuing scientific research to advance the field of turf care and we are proud to have them as a partner at Turf Asset!

What the Microbe is going on? What we know and what we don't In my travels with many of you, we have discussed the lack of knowledge society as a whole has when it comes to microbial activity.  Dr. Nathan Wolfe of Stanford University is a virologist and is looking for the next pathogen to cause a global pandemic.  He is more than honest about our ignorance about the microbial world.  In an article written for National Geographic, he states, “[I]t is only in the past few decades that we have come to realize how ubiquitous microbes are, flourishing from the tops of clouds to miles below the Earth’s surface. We’ve just begun to understand how vital they are to our health and to the health of the Earth. We pride ourselves on having explored nearly every corner of this planet, but behind our world is a shadow world of microbes—and they are often calling the shots.” While we are just beginning to scratch the surface of soil microbial knowledge, vital information is coming forward.  First, beneficial microbes are more powerful and resilient that we ever thought.  This means that despite the chemotherapy treatments we've given the soil, they are alive and ready to perform.  Second, they need sustenance to perform.  Third, they are the future of fertilizer and chemical sales.  In fact, fungicides coming to market soon are designed to inhibit microbe activity in the hope that fungus will be a common casualty.  That is misguided science.  You will be seeing more and more marketing focusing on feeding beneficial bacteria. What does this mean for turf and ultimately your sales forecast?  These facts put you on front lines of the coming knowledge war and the winner will be the one who arms himself with the right tools for their customers.  Not just 2 years ago "experts" told us that ISIS would never be a credible threat – now, we can't go one day without hearing about them.  Don't be misled, the microbial world is the next front for product research and development and you will need to know how to parse out the credible from the ridiculous.  Any of our staff would welcome the opportunity to share what knowledge we have and what we are looking at next.  We agree wholeheartedly with Dr. Wolfe, “[A]s we continue to explore the microbial world, our fear of the invisible beings around us, and in us, should be tempered with respect for what we are learning about them—and a rush of excitement for what remains to be discovered.” To read more about Agricultural Solutions visit their website at www.agsolus.com