The following is an excerpt from the August 2014 issue of Golf Course Industry Magazine. You can read the full article here.
The quest to increase the number of viable seedlings produced from each pound of seed sown has led to new technology from Aquatrols Corporation of America. It’s being called “Aquatrols Seed Enhancement Technology,” and while it has potential for anyone growing anything from seed, it should have a niche with superintendents facing water quality and quantity issues or less than ideal growing conditions.
Germination and emergence are the two most important stages in a plant’s life cycle that determine the efficient use of nutrients and water. The first sign of germination is the absorption of lots of water, activating the metabolic functions required for germination and growth. After absorbing water, the embryo grows too large for the seed and bursts the outer shell; a small plant emerges.
Several factors impact the availability of the right amount and quality of the moisture needed. For example, first and foremost, insufficient rainfall or inadequate irrigation. In addition, water restrictions may be in place, or the quality of the water may not conform to the needs of a particular seed. Likewise, the irrigation system may malfunction, or the soil may be hydrophobic – having a layer that repels water, restricts infiltration and increases runoff and erosion.
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