Biostimulants - Algae extracts

The summer season is a very stressful time of year for turf and several studies indicate the positive effect of seaweed extracts in reducing summer abiotic stress.

Drought, excessive heat or high metabolic stress for cooling put turfgrass under severe and prolonged stress. It has been recorded that the production of phytohormones positively modifies the health of our lawns. In times of stress, the cytokinins decrease. This hormone is a precursor of antioxidants that fight cell death, so its reduction has a negative impact. Hamza, B. and Suggars, A. 2001. Biostimulants; myths and realities.

Phytohormones are substances synthesised by plant tissues which in small concentrations have a strong impact on the metabolism.

Seaweed extracts are usually characterised by high levels of cytokinins. Plant hormones are extremely influential on metabolism, and small amounts have a noticeable impact.

The following are some of the benefits reported by T. Butler and A. Hunter in their study on the impact of seaweed extracts on turfgrass growth. Different trials were carried out using different amounts of fertilisers with and without seaweed extracts. In a very summarised form, some positive results can be drawn from their use:

Total dry matter:

The seaweed extract significantly increased the dry weight of the grass compared to the control.

Foliar nitrogen

The sample with seaweed extracts increased leaf nitrogen concentration between the biostimulated and the control.

Foliar phosphorus and potassium

The concentration of both foliar potassium and phosphorus was also increased in the biostimulated sample.

Grass colour

The colour of the turf improved with the use of seaweed extract, also the colour changed as the dose of fertiliser increased.

Root mass

Seaweed extract increased root mass in cases with lower nutrient concentrations.

In general, it can be concluded that algae extracts optimise the nutrient supply and promote the metabolism of our lawns.

Did you find this interesting? Do you want to know more about the use of biostimulants? Write to us at info@tiloom.com.