Encouraging the interaction between the rootzone and turfgrass plant roots

SW Agronomy, have spent many years investigating the interaction between rootzone microbes and the turfgrass plant root. One subject of study is the Rhizophagy Cycle in which microbes are "farmed" by plant roots, illustrated right:

1. Microbes enter the plant root carrying nutrients from the soil

2. Nutrients extracted from the microbes by Reactive Oxygen Species

3. Nutrient exhausted microbes stimulate root hair growth and leave the root through the tips

4. Microbes recharge with nutrients from the rootzone environment.

The Rhizophagy Cycle - Microbes in Action

Giving the plant only soluble fertilisers results in plants not having to work for their nutrition, leading to few root hairs and weak processes vital for plant health and growth. Microbial and plant derived biostimulants increase root exudates that result in enhanced control of plant pathogens, and increases in nutrient availability and uptake by the roots, resulting in turfgrass plants that are able to withstand environmental stresses.