Turf Trial Proves Fertiliser Savings, Faster Growth & Healthier Soil
Information
This long term trial was conducted over some difficult growing seasons in Sydney. The Turf business set key indicators for trial success as being: improved turf and soil quality; greater speed to market; reduced fertiliser costs/more efficient use of applied nutrients; a more
sustainable nutrition plan with less emissions and increased soil carbon and finally faster establishment of the following turf. A one HA block was used for the trial, half of which continued to have applied an industry standard turf program of synthetic fertiliser costing approx $1,500/HA. 25% of the block received half that amount of standard synthetic fertiliser ($750/HA) along with Microturf’s range of liquid biological mineral fertilisers. The remaining 25% received no synthetic fertiliser and just the Microturf liquids. Comments from the Turf Manager were that throughout the seasons the areas ‘Treated’ with Microturf were visibly ahead in their development compared to the standard ‘Untreated’ areas of the block. This included the establishment and appearance of the turf and importantly how the turf cut. The subsequent turf receiving the same treatments continued to show marked improvements in the Microturf ‘Treated’ areas. A soil testing program was conducted throughout the trial and the results tell a very compelling story about nutrient efficiency and the ability to eliminate wastage from intensive fertiliser programs such as those commonly adopted in Turf and Horticulture programs. A snapshot of the soil tests can be seen here. Note that despite significantly less units of fertiliser being applied in the ‘Treated’ areas where Microturf’s liquid fertilisers were used, these areas continually showed up higher levels of available nutrient when compared to the ‘Untreated’ areas that received synthetic fertiliser at $1500/HA . Organic matter and soil Carbon levels also increased in Microturf ‘Treated’ areas. The Microturf liquid fertiliser ‘Treated’ areas met all of the key trial objectives as backed up by the soil testing program, reduced costs and improved operational aspects of the turf program. Trial conducted by: A leading Sydney turf farm and AT Rural Consulting.
Benefits
-
Improved Turf Quality & Faster Establishment
-
Higher Nutrient Availability with Less Fertiliser
-
Cost-Effective & Sustainable Turf Management
Turf Trial At Sydney Turf Farm In Windsor
A long-term turf trial was conducted at a leading Sydney turf farm, evaluating the effectiveness of Microturf’s liquid biological mineral fertilisers against traditional synthetic turf nutrition programs. The trial was carried out over challenging growing seasons, focusing on key performance indicators such as turf and soil quality, nutrient efficiency, fertiliser cost reduction, and long-term sustainability.
A one-hectare block was divided into three sections:
- 50% of the block received a full industry-standard synthetic fertiliser program ($1,500/ha).
- 25% received half the standard fertiliser rate ($750/ha) plus Microturf liquid fertilisers.
- 25% received no synthetic fertiliser, only Microturf liquids.
The Microturf-treated areas consistently outperformed the standard program, with the turf establishing faster, cutting more efficiently, and maintaining better visual appeal. Soil testing results revealed that, despite using significantly less synthetic fertiliser, the Microturf-treated soils had higher available nutrient levels, increased organic matter, and improved soil carbon content.
By reducing synthetic inputs while maximising nutrient uptake, Microturf enabled a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to turf management. The trial results confirmed that Microturf’s liquid fertiliser program met all key objectives, offering better turf establishment, improved soil health, and significant fertiliser savings without compromising performance.
