Unlocking the Potential of Terafirm for Turfgrass Management
Managing turfgrass health and performance is a year-round challenge, particularly during wet seasons or periods of high rainfall. One innovative solution is the use of penetrant wetting agents like Terafirm. Designed to move moisture away from the surface and thatch layer into the soil profile, Terafirm not only enhances turfgrass health but also improves surface firmness. Here is how this product can revolutionise your turf management strategy.
Why Use Penetrant Wetting Agents Like Terafirm?
Excess moisture on the surface of turfgrass can lead to a host of issues, including:
√ Reduced sward density and rooting
√ Anaerobic soil conditions that inhibit microbial activity
√ Slower organic matter breakdown
√ Increased susceptibility to diseases, moss, and algae
√ Surface deformation caused by pedestrian or machinery traffic
Terafirm addresses these problems by reducing surface water tension and facilitating the downward movement of water into the soil profile. Its regular use ensures a healthier balance of water and air within the root zone, resulting in a robust root system, greater turf density, and a reduced likelihood of turf diseases does the opposite.
It actively moves excess water away from the surface, preventing waterlogging and firming up playing conditions.
Key Benefits of Terafirm for Turfgrass
1. Improved Surface Firmness
Excess surface moisture often compromises turf firmness, especially on golf greens and sportsfields. By moving water away from the surface, Terafirm helps create a firmer, more consistent playing surface.
2. Enhanced Turf Health
Terafirm promotes a healthier root zone environment by encouraging a balanced water-to-air ratio, supporting microbial activity, and accelerating organic matter breakdown. The result; a stronger, disease-resistant turf with reduced moss and algae invasion.
3. Year-Round Water Management
Whether used in the wet or dry months, Terafirm works in harmony with aeration practices and drainage systems to keep surfaces playable and aesthetically pleasing.
Application Best Practices
Irrigation is Key:
After applying Terafirm, ensure proper irrigation to move the product through the thatch layer and into the soil. If rain is expected, timing applications just before the event can reduce the need for additional irrigation.
Compatibility with Other Products:
Combining Terafirm with TriCure can tackle hydrophobic soil layers effectively. This combination enhances water infiltration and supports deeper soil penetration, addressing issues like fairy ring, which can occur 20–30 cm below the surface.
Aeration Enhancements:
Solid tining or aerification will not compromise Terafirm’s performance. Instead, applying Terafirm two days before aerification can help mitigate stress and improve turf resilience.
Insights on Product Performance A Valuable Tool in
Integrated Turf Management
Safe and Dependable: Non-phytotoxic, Terafirm binds to soil particles after irrigation, minimising risks of turf damage even if watering is delayed by several days.
Long-Lasting Effects: Frequent, smaller applications of TriCure alongside Terafirm yield more consistent results compared to single high-rate applications, as soil microbes gradually degrade the product.
A Valuable Tool in Integrated Turf Management
Wetting agents like Terafirm are not standalone solutions. They should be integrated into a comprehensive turf management plan that includes proper irrigation, regular aeration, and moisture monitoring. Tools like moisture meters (POGO) provide precision, allowing turf managers to maintain optimal conditions and reduce the risks associated with overwatering.
Incorporating Terafirm into your turf management program ensures better water management, healthier turfgrass, and improved surface playability. Whether preparing for winter rains or maintaining consistency during summer, this penetrant wetting agent is an indispensable asset for turf managers seeking long-term success.
For more information on application rates, timing, and best practices, reach out to your Living Turf specialist today.
Living Turf® is a subsidiary of Greenshed Pty Ltd, an Australian business that also boasts leading brands including; Precision Turf®, Greenspace 4D®, Turf Forensics®, MATCHplay®,Challenger® Turf Seeds, The Lawn Shed®, and LawnOnline®.