STRI analysis results

STRI analysis results: British Sugar TOPSOIL’s Sports&Turf topdressing and Sports10 pitch repair medium could help to reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers to encourage grass establishment and growth.

Analysis being carried out at the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI), under the auspices of Principal Scientist Dr Christian Spring, show that both products contain a plentiful supply of potassium and calcium, together with phosphorus and magnesium.

STRI analysis results

STRI analysis results

These findings have implications for greenkeepers and grounds professionals using soil-based topdressings such as Sports&Turf or pitch repair products such as Sports10. The nutrient loading in the soil component of both products should be taken into account when planning a fertilizer programme as it could reduce the amount of costly inorganic fertilizer required.

National TOPSOIL Manager Andy Spetch has long been an advocate of soil-based dressings and pitch repair products, citing not least their valuable nutrient content in these days of rising fertilizer costs:

“The independent scientific analysis currently being undertaken by the STRI is important as it gives greenkeepers and grounds professionals objective information on which to base their purchasing decisions. Soil-based top dressings such as Sports&Turf and pitch and goalmouth repair products such as Sports10 can play an important part in helping to mitigate the cost of regular golf course and pitch maintenance.”

This latest analysis is just part of a series of trials and studies commissioned by British Sugar TOPSOIL to provide customers with independent scientific information on its products. A study by Cranfield University has recently reported on the soil health of TOPSOIL products, and other work is monitoring their total carbon content and sequestration potential.

All study and trial reports are freely available to view and download on the TOPSOIL Academy section of the website.

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