Maintaining healthy and vibrant turfgrass is essential for golf courses, sports fields, and residential lawns alike. To achieve optimal growth and appearance, turf managers employ various techniques, including the use of foliar fertilizers. True foliar fertilizers, which are specifically designed for foliar application, can provide targeted nutrition to turfgrass leaves and improve overall plant health. One crucial component found in some true foliar fertilizers is low molecular weight acid. In this blog, we will explore the significance of low molecular weight acid in true foliar fertilizers for turfgrass and its benefits.
Benefits of Low Molecular Weight Acid:
Improved Nutrient Uptake: Low molecular weight acids, such as citric acid, malic acid, and amino acids, help enhance the uptake of essential nutrients by turfgrass leaves. These acids act as natural chelating agents, forming complexes with micronutrients, such as iron, manganese, and zinc. Chelated nutrients are more readily available for absorption by the leaf cuticle and can be efficiently utilized by the plant.
Enhanced Nutrient Translocation: The presence of low molecular weight acids in true foliar fertilizers promotes the movement of nutrients within the plant. They help in translocating the absorbed nutrients from the treated leaf to other parts of the turfgrass, such as roots and shoots. This translocation ensures a more uniform distribution of nutrients, leading to balanced growth and development.
pH Adjustment: Low molecular weight acids can also help adjust the pH of the foliar spray solution. Maintaining the appropriate pH range is crucial for optimal nutrient absorption and uptake by turfgrass leaves. By fine-tuning the pH, these acids enhance the efficacy of nutrient uptake and utilization.
Enhanced Stress Tolerance: Turfgrass often faces various stressors, such as drought, heat, and disease. Low molecular weight acids play a role in improving stress tolerance in turfgrass by enhancing the plant's metabolic processes. They aid in energy production, hormone synthesis, and other biochemical reactions, which are essential for the plant's response to stress.
Low molecular weight acid plays a significant role in true foliar fertilizers for turfgrass. Its ability to enhance nutrient uptake and translocation, adjust pH, and improve stress tolerance make it a valuable component in foliar fertilizers. By incorporating foliar fertilization with low molecular weight acid into turfgrass management practices, turf managers can promote healthier, greener, and more resilient turfgrass surfaces.
All of our products are made with a low molecular weight acid, for more info on our products
References:
Rezvanfar, A., & Saberioon, M. (2016). Chelating Agents Effects on Micronutrients Bioavailability in Soil-Plant Systems: A Review. International Journal of Environmental Science and Development, 7(8), 559-564.
Epplin, F. M. (2003). Citric Acid and Other Organic Acids in Citrus Fruits. In The Citrus Industry (Vol. 1, pp. 511-541). University of California.
Castellanos, J. Z., & Cartwright, R. D. (2016). Use of Low-Molecular-Weight Organic Acids in Turfgrass Management. In Water Management in Landscape Architecture and Urban Ecosystems (pp. 183-192). Springer.
Carciochi, R. A., & Stern, R. A. (2019). Amino acids: Key for sustainable turfgrass nutrition and enhanced turf quality. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 42(7), 766-783.