Every living organism on Earth depends on carbon to survive, from a single-cell bacteria to a giant blue whale to the enormous honey fungus located in a native forest (that, by the way, covers 2.5 acres) Carbon is fundamental in plant growth and development. It is necessary to synthesize organic compounds, including carbohydrates, amino acids,… Read More »
Nutrient of the Month
MAGNESIUM “I can be your best friend or your worst enemy.”
Written by Mike Hamilton, CCA President of Turf Dietitian, Inc. Magnesium’s impact on plants: Magnesium is a secondary macronutrient essential for plant life, playing a significant role in soil structure and physical condition. Even minor magnesium deficiencies weaken a plant, making it susceptible to many ailments. However, a magnesium deficiency will cause significant stress that… Read More »
Phosphorus – Everyone and Everything Loves Me!
Written by Mike Hamilton, CCA & President of Turf Dietitian Because of that century and a half old Liebig’s Law, we know that every nutrient is equally essential for plant health. However, some do more work than others when looking at nutrients’ functions. So, how important is phosphorous? Without phosphorous, there would be no life… Read More »
Nutrient of the Month – Sulfur – Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde?
Written by Mike Hamilton, CCA & President of Turf Dietitian Sulfur’s an interesting nutrient because it falls between micro and macronutrients. Like most macronutrients, Sulfur is responsible for structural formations within a plant. In addition, Sulfur is responsible for enzyme production and reactions, like most micro-nutrients. Sulfur is often referred to as the micro-nutrient equivalent of nitrogen…. Read More »
Nutrient of the Month – Sodium – “I’m Potassium’s Evil Twin”
Nutrient of the Month – Sodium – Even though sodium is an essential element, we rarely think of it as part of our nutritional programs. Sodium is typically that evil nutrient that quickly becomes destructive to plants and soil structure. Because of osmotic pressure, moderate levels of sodium can suck moisture and nutrients in or out of plants, shrink roots, and diminish many of metabolic functions of a healthy plant.
Nitrogen – Use me, don’t abuse me!
Written by Mike Hamilton, CCA & President of Turf Dietitian Environmental pressure and golfers’ expectations have fostered the need for superintendents to comprehensively understand Nitrogen’s function within the plant and its precise management. I know most Superintendents use fertilizers and chemicals responsibly, but many homeowners and less qualified individuals aren’t. Unfortunately, the world’s waters get… Read More »
