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The Growing Role of Biologicals in Horticulture and Turf Management

Writer's picture: Nick BannachNick Bannach

In recent years, the world of horticulture and turf management has been evolving rapidly, with a growing emphasis on sustainability, environmental stewardship, and innovative solutions for plant health. One of the most promising trends in this shift is the increased use of biologicals—natural, eco-friendly products derived from living organisms such as bacteria, fungi, microorganisms and algae. These biological solutions are being incorporated into a variety of turf and horticultural applications, offering a more sustainable alternative or supplement to traditional chemical treatments. But what exactly are biologicals, and how can they benefit horticulture and turf management? Let’s dive into the details.


What Are Biologicals?

Biologicals in horticulture refer to a range of products derived from natural organisms that are used to enhance plant health, protect against pests, improve soil fertility, and boost overall plant resilience. Unlike conventional chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which often come with long-term environmental impacts, biologicals are biodegradable, often less toxic, and have a minimal ecological footprint. Common types of biologicals include:

  • Biological Pesticides: These are organisms such as beneficial insects, nematodes, or microorganisms (like fungi and bacteria) that naturally combat pests, diseases, and weeds. An example of this would be Envu's new mosquito control product, Barricor.

  • Biostimulants: These are products that enhance plant growth and resilience, often by stimulating natural biological processes. They can include seaweed extracts, humic acids, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR).

  • Microbial Inoculants: These products contain beneficial microorganisms that can improve soil health, enhance nutrient uptake, and suppress soil-borne diseases. FishSh!t is the perfect example of a microbial inoculant.

  • Organic Soil Feeds: These products, generally derived from a sugar source, feed the microorganisms in the soil. An example of this is our new Molasses based product from Molasses Kings.

The shift toward biologicals comes from the need for more sustainable agricultural practices that can reduce reliance on chemical inputs while maintaining or even improving plant health and productivity.


Benefits of Using Biologicals in Horticulture and Turf


  1. Eco-Friendly Solutions

One of the main advantages of biologicals is their environmental friendliness. Many synthetic fertilizers and pesticides used in turf and horticulture have harmful effects on soil health, groundwater, and surrounding ecosystems. In contrast, biologicals tend to break down naturally without leaving harmful residues. For instance, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a biological insecticide, targets specific pests while being safe for beneficial insects, humans, and animals. Summit, a product from Amguard, is a briquet used for mosquito control.


  1. Improved Soil Health

Healthy soil is the foundation of thriving plants, and biological products are playing a crucial role in maintaining or improving soil health. Beneficial microbes, such as mycorrhizal fungi, are often used to enhance root systems, improve nutrient uptake, and protect against pathogens. These microbes form symbiotic relationships with plants, helping them absorb water and nutrients more efficiently, which can result in stronger, more resilient plants and lawns. Ask your Clesens representative about our line of mycorrhizal fungi products.

  1. Disease and Pest Management

Managing pests and diseases naturally is another area where biologicals shine. Instead of broad-spectrum pesticides that kill both harmful and beneficial organisms, biologicals target specific pests or pathogens. For example, Trichoderma fungi can protect turf and garden plants from soil-borne diseases, while beneficial nematodes can help manage pests like grubs in turfgrass without harming the environment.


  1. Enhanced Plant Growth

Biologicals can also act as plant biostimulants, promoting faster growth, improved flowering, and better overall plant health. Products like seaweed extracts, humic substances, and natural amino acids contain growth-promoting compounds that activate plant defense mechanisms and enhance stress tolerance. Whether you’re working with ornamental plants, vegetables, or turfgrass, these products can help optimize growth and vitality, even in challenging conditions. Clesens has several products that contain Seaplant extract.


  1. Reduction in Chemical Dependency

For turf managers and horticulturists looking to reduce their chemical inputs, biologicals provide an excellent alternative. Over-reliance on chemical treatments can lead to resistance issues, soil degradation, and environmental harm. By incorporating biological solutions into integrated pest management (IPM) programs, turf managers can reduce the need for synthetic chemicals while maintaining effective control over pests and diseases.


Examples of Biologicals in Action

  • Turfgrass Management: Biologicals such as Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma harzianum are commonly used in turf management for soil health and pest control. These microorganisms help break down organic matter, making nutrients more available to grass roots. They also fight off pathogens like Rhizoctonia (a common cause of turf diseases) and nematodes that damage turfgrass.

  • Organic Horticulture: Organic gardeners use a variety of biological products, such as Bacillus pumilus for seed treatment and Azospirillum for nitrogen fixation, to support soil health and plant growth. Mycorrhizal fungi, often applied to vegetable and flower beds, form beneficial partnerships with plant roots, helping them absorb nutrients more efficiently and resist stress.

  • Home Lawns: Homeowners looking to create a lush, green lawn without relying on harmful chemicals are turning to biological products like compost tea, which contains beneficial microorganisms that improve soil structure and promote turfgrass growth. Beneficial nematodes are also used to control grubs naturally.


Challenges and Considerations


While biologicals are a promising tool for sustainable horticulture and turf management, there are some challenges and considerations to keep in mind:

  • Efficacy: Biological products can sometimes be slower to show results compared to conventional chemical solutions. They also require more precise application techniques and may be more susceptible to environmental conditions (such as temperature or moisture levels) than synthetic products.

  • Cost: Some biologicals can be more expensive upfront than their chemical counterparts, which may discourage some growers or turf managers from adopting them.

  • Knowledge and Training: To effectively use biological products, growers need to understand how different biologicals work, how to apply them properly, and how to integrate them into an overall pest management or soil health program. There may be a learning curve involved, especially for those new to biological products.


Conclusion: A Greener Future for Horticulture and Turf Management


The use of biologicals in horticulture and turf management is revolutionizing the industry by providing sustainable, effective alternatives to traditional chemical products. With benefits ranging from improved soil health and pest control to enhanced plant growth and reduced environmental impact, biological solutions are helping create healthier, more resilient landscapes. As technology advances and more research is conducted into the efficacy of biologicals, their role in sustainable farming and gardening practices will only continue to grow. For anyone looking to build a more eco-friendly and productive garden or turf area, biologicals are definitely worth considering.

By integrating biologicals into your lawn care or gardening practices, you’re not only taking a step towards a healthier, more vibrant green space but also contributing to the long-term sustainability of our planet.

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Arthur Clesen Inc. and Clesen PROturf Solutions is a distributor of commercial fertilizer, chemicals, grass seed, ice, melters, T&O Supplies and Irrigation Components to green industry professionals in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

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