indicate that the responses are more than simply a function of supplying plant nutrients and that other related growth stimulants are involved. It has now been found that Vermi~Green increases microbial populations, and adds biologically active metabolites such as plant growth regulators (auxins, cytokinnins and gibberellins.
It has consistently improved seed germination, enhanced seedling growth and development and increased plant productivity much more than would be possible from the mere conversion of mineral nutrients into more plant available forms. It has also been shown to reduce the incidence of plant diseases.
Research indicates that microbial activity and the makeup of the microbial communities existing in the product play an important role in plant growth responses. The reason appears to be that different microbes act on different substances, from simple sugars to complex substances. If any are missing it will inhibit growth.
The diversity of microbes allows all substrates to be broken down.
The role of earthworm derived humic acids has also received much attention recently especially with relation to nematode problems. Humic acids are produced by the breakdown of organic matter by micro organisms. They are generally negatively charged so attract positive ions, such as calcium. Humic substances promote the conversion of a number of elements into forms available to plants, of particular importance is phosphate.
Phosphate reacts with other minerals in the soil, (particularly iron and aluminium) and becomes locked or unavailable to plants. Humic acids help substitute iron and aluminium with other elements, e.g. calcium, making phosphate available to plant roots.
Vermi~Green is humus rich. The breakdown of organic material by earthworms accelerates the humification of organic matter. The humic and fulvic acids produced in this process have been proven to stimulate plant growth beyond that produced by solely the mineral nutrient.
Humic acids are large complex molecules. Partial oxidation of humic acids allow bonding sites for plant nutrients including calcium and magnesium and other humic like materials produced in the faeces of earthworms which
exhibit auxin, gibberellin and cytokinin like activities.
Studies of the positive effects of these humic substances on plant growth, when full requirements for mineral nutrition are met, consistently resulted in positive effects on growth, independent of nutrition. Humic acids have been reported to enhance mineral uptake by plants by increasing the permeability of the cell membranes of root cells. They appear to have greater effects upon the root growth of the plants than on the above ground parts of the plant. Stimulation of root growth, increased proliferation of root hairs, and enhancement of root initiation by humic acids, has been reported commonly by several other researchers.
The product is also available in liquid form as Vermi~Tea.
Leaf surfaces, like plant roots, harbour a rich microbial population that protects the leaf, and thus the plant, from infection and attack by pathogenic organisms. When the microbial consortium present on the leaf surface is reduced by pesticide or fungicide use or environmental damage it exposes leaf surface, opening infection points.
Furthermore it can be applied after chemical use to reintroduce microbial communities to the soil that may have been damaged by use of the chemical. The microbes can then continue to provide protection from pathogens to the plant as well as aiding in breakdown of any chemical residues in the rootzone, thereby preventing ground water contamination.
Research has shown that seed emergence was earlier. It has also proven to facilitate and hasten the development of the root system, resulting in a stronger sward, and to increase the colour depth of the blades making the plant more resistant to fungal attack.
ORM Professional Products (Brecon) Ltd are the largest worm breeders and suppliers to the fishing industry in the UK. They have been established in this market for over twelve years. During this period ORM (Organic Resource Management) have had an association with Professor Clive Edwards of Ohio State University in the research and development of vermiculture and the use of vermicompost products in the amenity and horticultural markets.
For more information visit:
www.ormproproducts.com or contact Dan at Pitchcare.
To advertise in this section contact Classifieds
Peter Britton on 01747 855335 email:
peter@pitchcare.com
SPORTS TURF CONTRACTORS AGRIPOWER
TOP DRESSING OVER SEEDING DE-COMPACTION VERTIDRAINING GROUND BREAKING LANDSCAPING
SPECIALISTS IN ALL ASPECTS OF SPORTSTURF CONSTRUCTION DRAINAGE & MAINTENANCE
TEL: 01494 866776 FAX: 01494 866779
www.agripower.co.uk
Avonmore Associates sportsfield construction
25 year of experience in bowling greens, fine turf management, pitch design, sportsfield construction and irrigation
Tel: 01789 293439 email:
info@avonmore-associates.co.uk www.avonmore-associates.co.uk
CONSTRUCTION•DRAINAGE RENOVATION•SPRAYING
Tel: 01924 493359 Mob: 07778 288579 Email:
alan.chappelow@
btconnect.com
Vertidraining, Hollow Coring, Overseeding, Draining, Gravel Banding, Field Top Maker, Deep Scarifying & all types of Sports Turf Maintenance
Mobile: 07860 259692 Tel: 01284 735105 Fax 01284 735105
Email:
peter@buryturfcare.com www.buryturfcare.com D W Clark DRAINAGE LTD
SPECIALIST SPORTSTURF CONSTRUCTION & DRAINAGE CONTRACTORS • Gravel Banding • Sand Slitting
• Top Dressing • Renovation • Irrigation Unit 7, Brailes Industrial Estate, Winderton Lane, Lower Brailes Banbury, Oxfordshire OX15 5JW
Tel: 01608 685800 Fax: 01608 685801 email:
jim@dwclarkdrainageltd.co.uk Web:
www.dwclarkdrainageltd.co.uk FTS
Sportsground & Amenity Contractors
Cricket Pitch Specialists
Unit 5, Beenham Industrial Estate Reading, Berkshire RG7 5PP Tel: 0118 9714420 Mob: 07768 696291 Fax: 0118 9714522
www.fts-sportsturf.co.uk 123
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132