Written by Mike Hamilton, CCA Soil reserves refer to nutrients that are bound to soil particles and are not presently available to plants. Maintaining a soil reserve full of nutrients is like harboring a bank account frozen by law enforcement. To access your currency reserve, you must act. The action required in the soil to… Read More »
Soil Structure
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 »
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.
Six Basic Factors for Plant Health – #1 & #2
Written by Mike Hamilton, CCA & President of Turf Dietitian The success of any crop starts with soil structure and soil components. The best golf course superintendent in the world will struggle or even fail when the soil he’s working with has poor structure. If the soil structure is good, the chance for success is… Read More »
Organic Matter Management
Written by Mike Hamilton, CCA & President of Turf Dietitian Organic matter is the most essential of all soil components; organic matter is the most critical but, conversely, the most obstructive and misunderstood. Organic matter provides a reservoir for nutrients, microorganisms, carbohydrates, organic compounds, and water. However, if the organic matter becomes too dense, it… Read More »
Nutrient of the Month – Potassium, The Diva of them All
Written by Mike Hamilton, CCA & President of Turf Dietitian “I’m the Diva of Plant Nutrients” Potassium is a vital component for the healthy development of plants. Dissimilar to nitrogen and phosphorus, Potassium doesn’t get utilized in any plant’s structural formation. Potassium is found within the plant cell solution and is responsible for many life-sustaining… Read More »
