Soil biome: key to turfgrass defence against diseases

Sports turf care is entering a new era. It's no longer just about applying products, it's about understanding what's going on. under our feet. And the ground has a lot to say.

A recent study by Chou et al. (2025) has shown for the first time that it is possible to find naturally suppressive soils in front of the dollar spot (Clarireedia jacksonii) on golf courses. This disease is one of the most problematic diseases in golf turf. Agrostis stolonifera.

Less fungicide, more natural defence

The study analysed soil microbiomes of golf courses with different levels of fungicide use. The results were clear: soils with less fungicide use harboured more diverse microbiomes and were more effective in suppressing disease..

In fact, these soils, when transplanted into a sterile environment, retained their defensive capacity. This indicates that certain microbial communities act as natural biological shieldwithout the need for chemical intervention.

In order for these beneficial micro-organisms to thrive, a suitable soil environment is key. This is where the use of micro-pinch type Ninja Tinesa non-disruptive aeration technique that improves drainage, reduces compaction and stimulates oxygenation of the root profile. This creates a more stable and healthy habitat for the soil biome, favouring the presence of suppressive microbes.

Ninja Tines - Uninterrupted aeration (Pack of 10)

Premium hollow steel spikes for aerating turf without disrupting play. 3/8″ mount, extracts organic matter with precision and minimal disturbance.

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How can this suppressiveness be measured?

This is where BeCropthe analysis service of the soil microbiome from Biome Makers. This tool uses technology similar to that of the study (16S sequencing and STIs) to identify key microbial functionssuch as pathogen suppression or plant growth promotion.

With BeCrop we can find out if our soil contains beneficial micro-organisms as Bradyrhizobium, Mesorhizobium, Humicola o Solicoccozymawhich the study correlates with lower dollar spot severity.

Microbiological analysis

Contact us through info@tiloom.com for a personalised quotation.

At Tiloom we help you to read and interpret any type of analysis. Such as simple soil laboratory analysis with exchange cations.  

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What if the pathogen is already present?

Complementing BeCrop with phytAlert qPCRsuch as the one offered by MicrogaiaThe new system allows you to quickly and accurately detect whether or not Clarireedia or other fungi are present in the turf. This molecular analysis quantifies the pathogen load, even before symptoms appear.

This enables the greenkeeper to make informed decisions:

• Do I have a soil with a protective microbiome?
• Is the pathogen present?
• Do I need to intervene or can I rely on soil biology?

Analysis of turf diseases and nematodes

A soil sample shall be analysed for diseases, fungi and pathogens.

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An integrated and sustainable strategy

The study data indicate that intensive use of fungicides - especially contact fungicides such as fluazinam or chlorothalonil - can reduce microbial biodiversity and weaken the soil's ability to defend itself.

Therefore, using tools such as BeCrop and phytAlert, together with cultural practices such as the periodic micropinningThe new management programmes can be designed to improve the accurate, efficient and sustainable. Fewer inputs, less risk and healthier turf and ecosystem.

If you are interested in receiving more information from our technicians, please write to info@tiloom.com.