How do you make sure your golf course is ready for the future?

From curative to preventive treatment: quite a challenge

Green grass carpets on golf courses are coming under increasing pressure due to several challenges that will become more and more important. Consider the efficient use of water or the increasingly hot and dry summers....

These factors not only increase stress, but also make grasses more susceptible to possible diseases. In addition, there are fewer and fewer curative crop protection products and preventive agents will be used more often. Matters of which Ahmet Koch, head greenkeeper at golf Ter Hille in Koksijde, lies awake. Together with Luc Pauwels nv, exclusive distributor of Bion in Belgium, Ahmet makes sure his golf course is ready for the future.

Preparing grass for possible diseases

Common diseases such as Fusarium and Dollar spot can cause major problems in the future. It is often stress situations that cause grasses to become more susceptible to diseases, which will also lead to greater infestation than under normal conditions. By 2030, the use of curative agents will be greatly inhibited by the implementation of the Green Deal in Europe. Thus, proper preparation for these stress periods can greatly reduce disease emergence in the future.

To best protect the grass, Bion developed a grass protection package. This package is composed of several products that each specifically have their benefit to minimize pathogen attack. Research has shown that a triple tank mix of Greenbion Liquid Iron+, Greenbion Liquid high Ca and GreenBion Liquid 4-4-10 + TE can provide superior disease prevention. Together, those products provide an immediate turf response, increased longevity, maintenance of color for up to six weeks, higher disease tolerance and the building of stronger cell walls. This at a dosage of ten gallons per acre per product and a repeat every three to four weeks beginning in the fall.

Biostimulants: important part of integrated disease management

In addition to the grass protection package, Bion's biostimulants can also be integrated into the disease control plan. Biostimulants have been a "hot topic" for several years and play an important role in reducing crop protection agents. Stymbion is the only biostimulant on the market that contains twenty free amino acids and is also a 100% natural product. 

This makes it highly effective and safe for any crop application. The active ingredients stimulate various physiological processes in the plant, providing functional and structural energy savings. Thus, a larger root system is developed, the plant's resistance and resilience to adverse conditions are increased, and the plant can recover more quickly.

Stymbion S: latest generation amino acid biostimulant

This year, Bion launched Stymbion S. Stymbion S is a biostimulant based on twenty free amino acids and micropeptides combined with microbial sulfur. This biostimulant triggers the activation of several defense enzymes.
mechanisms in the plant itself. Sulfur improves plant nitrogen uptake and is essential for the formation of protein, amino acids and enzymes in the plant, leading to better plant growth. In addition, the layer of sulfur makes it difficult for fungal spores to settle in the leaves. The unique crystal structure ensures complete leaf coverage without residue. Stymbion S is combinable with various fertilization and control programs.

Wetting agents: last link for proper water management

Wetting agents provide proper water management for a variety of situations. The AQBION range consists of a collection of highly active wetting agents and surfactants that are optimal for use on turf areas. 

These agents allow excess moisture to penetrate through the felt layer into the root zone of the plant. They play an important role in programs for efficient irrigation and water conservation. These surfactants are non-toxic, work well in acidic environments, and do not react with other nutrient ions in the soil. Preventive and curative treatment of dry spots provides even wetting, which in turn simplifies water management. They significantly improve distribution and therefore absorption of nutrients and other added products.