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Sustainable turf management is increasingly centred on soil knowledge, water management and preventative strengthening
Anyone looking to maintain a strong and resilient turf surface today needs more than conventional fertilisation alone.
During a recent visit to Royal Limburg Golf Club in Houthalen-Helchteren and KRC Genk, it becomes clear just how important soil analysis, biostimulants, wetting agents and consistent monitoring have become.
At Royal Limburg Golf Club, Head Greenkeeper Davy Driesen monitors the condition of greens, fairways and tees on a daily basis. Soil samples, moisture measurements and analyses determine which products are required and in what quantities. “Measurement is the key to knowledge,” says Driesen. “Based on those figures, we decide whether we need to apply water, nutrients, trace elements or biostimulants.”
According to him, biostimulants will play an increasingly important role in the future. Turf managers are being required to work more sustainably, while the use of curative products continues to come under pressure. “We need to focus on sustainable management. Biostimulants will become increasingly important in making turf surfaces stronger and more resilient.”
Philippe Debougnoux, Managing Director of Fert in Time Europe, also highlights the importance of water management. Wetting agents help regulate the soil’s water balance. Some products retain moisture, while others help create a drier soil profile during wet periods. “In the future, we will need to use water more efficiently. Wetting agents help us manage that more effectively.” For golf courses, this means more efficient irrigation. For football pitches, it is crucial to maintain a playable turf surface throughout the winter months.
At KRC Genk, Grounds Manager Eddy Van Endert has been working with Fert in Time for several years. The partnership has developed step by step. “We are using more and more of their products because we can clearly see the benefits. On top of that, the service is excellent.”
Van Endert uses, among other products, Impact Plus Perk 40-14, a fertiliser which, according to him, helps maintain a strong green colour even during challenging periods. He also applies Plant & Sport Green 15-5-15 because it encourages tillering and promotes denser turf growth. Thanks to the combination of undersoil heating and grow lights, KRC Genk can continue using certain nutritional programmes during the winter to support turf recovery.
Geert Segers, Technical Sales Representative at Fert in Time, sees the company’s compact structure as a major strength. “We can respond very quickly. Whether it’s West Flanders or Limburg, we’re able to act fast.”
This allows Fert in Time to position itself not only as a supplier of turf nutrition, biostimulants and wetting agents, but above all as a partner on the ground. The ambition remains clear: to create healthy, strong and resilient turf surfaces tailored to the needs of every soil type and every sporting environment.
