Amino acids: what you need to know to revitalise your grass

The use of amino acids for turf opens the door to new ways of maintaining a healthy lawn. Amino acids are the building blocks that make up the complex structures that are proteins. These proteins are responsible for the main functions to be performed in the internal machinery of our lawns.

Under normal conditions, our lawns can naturally generate sufficient levels of amino acids through the process of respiration, whereby sugars are transformed after several reactions into amino acids. It is in stressful situations, such as after a football match, when you want to recover quickly from the footprints that its application is recommended, in situations of summer stress, or as a way to increase the microbial flora, because it is an excellent source of carbon for the microbiomeThey are also excellent chelating agents for the micronutrients.

These applications are necessary at specific times when fast and efficient action is required, especially under stressful situations. .

Their chemical essence is always the same. An atom of carbon central, a amino groupa carboxylic acid and a differentiating group for each amino acid which we call group R.

Glycine and glutamic acid compounds are essential for the formation of leaf tissue and chlorophyll synthesis. Their higher concentration provides greater photosynthetic activity and colour.

On the other hand, L-glutamic acid acts as an osmotic agent, facilitating the opening of the stomata. If the stomata were to remain closed, photosynthesis and perspiration are reduced, while respiration increases (destruction of sugars), and metabolism slows down.

Other very relevant amino acids are:

• L-TryptophanThe auxin basic units (vital hormone)
• L-Arginineincreases tolerance to salinity and improves the root development
• L-Taurineincreases the tolerance to drought and salinity.
• L-Glycineis a natural chelating agent, which improves the assimilation of micronutrients, as well as stimulating photosynthesis.
• L-Proline, L-L-leucine, L-Isoleucine and L-Serine are osmotic protectors, which increase tolerances to drought, salinity and heat stress.
• L-Lysine, L-glutamic acid, L-Alanine and L-Proline are involved in chlorophyll production and photosynthetic rates.
• L-Histidine, L-Alanine, L-Methionine and L-Proline perform functions related to the opening of stomata
• Aspartic Acid and L-Valine improve seed germination
• L-Valine, L-Tryosine, L-Threonine, L-Lysine and L-Alanine increases drought tolerance
• L-Phenylalanine promotes lignification, strengthening cell walls.

If you need, Tiloom can advise you which amino acids are most recommended to complete the nutrition of your greens according to your particular needs.