Fast oxygen relief for beneficial soil microbes for enhanced thatch reduction and to treat Black Layer.

TourTurf^® OXT Oxygen Turf is a specialty fertiliser combining 22 % nitrogen and 4 % calcium with an oxygen release technology. The product is designed to give a rapid release of oxygen to anaerobic rootzones and help alleviate Black Layer causing root and turf decline.

The fast supply of oxygen gives turf managers a tool which will help alleviate the problems associated with Black Layer. Rootzones with high organic matter, compaction, layering and waterlogging can result in low or zero soil gas exchange and hence completely anaerobic conditions.

If sulphur and iron content is high, anaerobic sulphur-reducing bacteria can generate hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) during anaerobic respiration. Black Layer in the soil profile will be visible as black organic sulphides accompanied by the characteristic H₂S smell of rotten eggs. H₂S is toxic and if concentrations are high enough you might observe a decline in turf colour and growth

In combination with aerification, water management, improving drainage and optimisation of fertilisation TourTurf^® OXT Oxygen Turf will supply the extra oxygen you need to overcome anaerobic conditions.

When the soil is no longer anaerobic and a natural balance is restored, the bacteria causing Black Layer will be inhibited. Many beneficial soil microbes responsible for turnover of organic and inorganic soil nutrients require oxygen for growth. The oxygen released by TourTurf^® OXT Oxygen Turf will stimulate these processes. If you are using TourTurf^® ETD and TourTurf^® FTD to mineralise thatch, then you can increase the efficiency of this process by adding TourTurf^® BLT to the mixture.

The oxygen in TourTurf^® BLT is chemically bound to different forms of nitrate-N (NO₃). You can reduce the input of other nitrogen fertilizers in order not to over apply nitrogen during the growing season.