The invisible role of soil in turfgrass health: biological balance and innovative biological solutions (1/2)

Soil as a living ecosystem

Soil is much more than a physical support where grass grows. It is a complex ecosystem where roots, micro-organisms and organic matter interact, determining the productivity and health of the turf. Within this subterranean network, fungi and bacteria play a crucial role: they regulate balance, transform nutrients and modulate plant-soil interactions.

Although fungi are often associated with devastating diseases on sports turf - such as Dollar Spot, Brown Patch o Pythium-The reality is that most fungal species are not pathogenic. In fact, many are favourable, contributing to plant vigour and resilience. Genera such as Trichoderma, Gliocladium o Penicillium are clear examples of natural allies of turf.

Balance in the rhizosphere

The rhizospherethat microscopic strip around the roots, is the real centre of GRASS HEALTH. When microbial populations are in balance, pathogens are kept at bay. Conversely, imbalances - often caused by continuous fungicide applications - facilitate disease proliferation.

Mycorrhizal fungi, for example, establish symbiotic associations in which they obtain sugars from the plant in exchange for improved water and phosphorus uptake. Other groups such as actinomycetes, more closely related to bacteria than fungi, degrade complex organic matter and generate natural antibiotic compounds that limit pathogens.

In short, a disease is nothing more than an imbalance of the rhizosphere.. This makes biological soil management an essential strategy for greenkeepers and maintenance managers.

Biological solutions for stronger turf

In collaboration with Corteva BiologicalsTiloom provides the industry with two cutting-edge tools to restore and maintain the life of the soil: TrichoSym Bio y VitaSoil.

TrichoSym Bio: natural strength from Trichoderma harzianum

TrichoSym Bio is a biological inoculant based on Trichoderma harzianuma natural soil fungus recognised for its ability to stimulate root growth and displace pathogens. Its high concentration - 5 x 10¹¹¹ CFU/L - ensures effective colonisation of the rhizosphere.

Key benefits:

• Stimulates turf vigour and improves the uptake of available nutrients in the soil.
• It promotes a better performance and quality of the carpet.
• Contributes to reducing the need for external fertilisers.
• Product Zero Wasteenvironmentally safe and compatible with most soil fungicides.

VitaSoil: microbial soil regeneration

VitaSoil is a biostimulant that combines a balanced microbial complex with selected bacteria and fungi, such as Azospirillum brasilense, Nocardiopsis alba o Penicillium chrysogenum. This functional diversity allows it to restore degraded soils, increasing biological activity and improving nutrient recycling.

Key benefits:

• Increases turf growth and efficiency of water and fertiliser use.
• Regenerates tired soils, restoring the beneficial microbial flora.
• Stabilises the ecological functioning of the rhizosphere.
• Natural product, with no undesirable residues in the plant.

Measuring soil life with BeCrop

Understanding and managing the soil as a living ecosystem requires not only biological tools, but also accurate diagnostics that allow us to know their real state. To this end, Tiloom provides the sector with the BeCrop Testa pioneering technology that analyzes in detail the soil microbiome by sequencing and advanced bioinformatics analysis.

This system identifies the diversity of micro-organisms present, their functional balance and the key interactions between them. With this information, greenkeepers and maintenance managers are able to optimise their management strategiesThe soil is used as a nutrient source, adjusting biological and nutritional applications to the specific needs of each soil.

It is an approach that goes beyond traditional agronomic observation, providing objective data for more sustainable and efficient decision-making.

Towards sustainable turf management

Quality turf does not depend solely on nutrition and chemical controlbut of a biological balance in the soil. To opt for solutions such as TrichoSym Bio y VitaSoil means strengthening the turf's first line of defence, reducing external inputs and moving towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly management model.

At Tiloom, we believe that innovation means giving the soil back its role as a living organism. And with the strategic alliance with Corteva BiologicalsWe offer real tools for greenkeepers and sports professionals to ensure stronger, healthier and longer lasting turf.