Essential Rooting
The natural metabolism of cool season grasses is for root growth during both Spring and Autumn periods, with the effects of senescence and stress during the summer reducing the plants ability to maintain both volume and depth. This means that over the Summer period maintained sports and fine turf surfaces will have suffered from root loss.
As we approach late Summer and early Autumn, now is the time to enhance the plants ability to recover and prepare itself before Winter conditions prevail and inhibit grass plants.
Traditionally a moderate amount of nitrogen was applied late Summer with a relatively high phosphorus level to encourage root development. But over the last fifteen years or so there has been a reluctance to use fertilizer with high levels of rock phosphate, which in time can accumulate and provide high readings of P2O5 in the soil. This is not to say that phosphorus is not useful, in fact it is the element which provides all living things with energy as it is part of the ATP molecule (Adenosine triphosphate). A more appropriate alternative would be organic phosphorus such as bone meal (found in Mascot Microfine OC2 fertilizer) and phosphite, e.g. Mascot Phos-form.
Potassium has become popular as a late season fertilizer, particularly on sports fields where it's ability to help the plant with it's osmo-regulation can improve the capability of grass to defend itself from disease pressure. In itself this will not promote root growth, but by keeping the plant healthier will in turn support a better root system.
Seaweeds, which contain betaines, will help to enhance root mass.
Maxicrop No 7 organic concentrate with an analysis of 0.3 (N) : 0.0 (P) : and 3.6 (K) is ideal for this time of year. Seaweeds are also able to supply other benefits such as Trace Elements.
Amino Acids, there are 18 biologically effective amino-acids for turf grass plants. They are the building blocks of proteins, the very fabric of plant tissue, and supplemental amino acids can provide the necessary reserves to allow the plant to concentrate on essential growth, including roots.
ERD (Enhanced Root Developer), introduced to the turf amenity market back in 2004 as part of Mascot Activate R. This unique product has provided consistent and reliable performance from its introduction and it is as popular today as when was launched. The key to this product is the ERD which helps the plant to reduce it loss of photosynthetic assimilates (carbohydrates) through 'leaky' roots. This enhanced retention of carbohydrates can then be stored as new roots are formed, so improving the turfs natural energy reserves and promoting a better root structure.