Two biostimulants in liquid fertiliser support stronger turf and improved nitrogen uptake |
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When ICL launched the renewed Greenmaster Liquid Advanced liquid fertiliser line in early January, it was more than a standard product update. According to Ramon Timmermans, area sales manager Benelux at ICL, the reformulation builds on a familiar foundation while taking a new step in how liquid fertilisers and biostimulants are applied in professional turf management. 'The former Greenmaster Liquid line was already well known in the market,' he says. 'But ICL has carried out groundbreaking research.'
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That research led to the addition of two biostimulants to the existing liquid fertilisers: MTU and Pidolic Acid. In this case, biostimulants are substances that do not directly provide nutrients, as traditional fertilisers do, but influence the plant's physiology. MTU positively affects photosynthesis. Pidolic Acid supports nitrogen metabolism and improves nitrogen use efficiency. Timmermans explains the practical impact: 'The MTU biostimulant helps the plant become more stress tolerant. And the other molecule, Pidolic Acid, improves nitrogen uptake.'
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'You see that quality requirements keep increasing, while the conditions to achieve them are becoming more difficult.'
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For greenkeepers and field managers, this can be relevant. In recent years, one of the main challenges has been the combination of changing weather conditions, intensive use of golf courses and sports fields, and the need to apply inputs more efficiently and with lower environmental impact. The key question is no longer only how to supply sufficient nutrients, but how to help the turf plant use them effectively and cope better with stress. According to Timmermans, the new product line addresses this need. 'Quality standards are rising, but the situation to achieve them is becoming more complex. Everyone is looking for ways to solve that puzzle as effectively as possible.'
Measurable effect
One of the main insights behind Greenmaster Liquid Advanced concerns stress build-up in turf. Under low-light conditions, such as in autumn and winter, grass naturally struggles to produce and retain energy. Timmermans explains how the biostimulants can support the plant in these situations: 'You see that the plant not only maintains itself better thanks to longer active chlorophyll after drought or low-light stress, but can also recover more quickly afterwards.' He notes that this is not only a theoretical benefit, but has measurable effects on turf growth and vitality.
Dual registration
In practice, what distinguishes Greenmaster Liquid Advanced from other products is not only the formulation, but also its dual registration under European legislation. A liquid fertiliser normally falls under PFC1, while the biostimulants fall under PFC6. 'That is quite exceptional,' says Timmermans. 'You have both a fertiliser and a registration under the biostimulant regulation. You can only achieve that if you scientifically demonstrate real benefits for the plant.' He refers to studies carried out with universities and research institutes, including the University of Pisa in Italy and the Czech Academy of Sciences, which demonstrated the effect on plant quality.
According to Timmermans, the focus on stress tolerance reflects developments in the sports and golf market. Extreme weather conditions affect playability and turf quality. In his view, this calls for products that work proactively. Turf should not only be fed, but also strengthened.
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'With liquid fertilisers, greenkeepers and field managers can manage dosages more flexibly.'
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In practical use, flexibility is a key feature. 'With liquid fertilisers, greenkeepers and field managers can manage dosages more flexibly,' says Timmermans. He points to programmes combining granular and liquid products. In many cases, the product can also be used in tank mixes. Compared to granular fertilisers, liquid applications allow more precise adjustments. 'With a granular product, you spread a granule and you cannot easily halve it. With liquid, you can apply five litres instead of ten and reduce the nitrogen input accordingly.' This enables managers to respond more accurately to the turf's actual needs.
Broad portfolio
The Advanced line covers applications throughout the year, depending on conditions. Products with higher nitrogen content are mainly used during the growing season from April to August. Variants with higher potassium levels are more suitable for autumn and winter. 'Each product in the line has its own period in which it performs best,' says Timmermans.
Dealer training
The launch took place in early January, ahead of trade events such as BTME, where ICL organised technical sessions. Timmermans highlights the importance of knowledge transfer through dealers, including Vos Capelle. 'There was recently a dealer training to explain the new technology and how it works,' he says. According to him, such sessions support market adoption by ensuring that technical details are clearly communicated to end users.
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'Personally, I will also use it in my own garden to see what it does.'
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Although the product line is based on scientific research, Timmermans emphasises the importance of practical experience. 'Personally, I will also use it in my own garden to see what it does,' he says. In practice, products must prove their value under real conditions. For greenkeepers and field managers balancing quality, playability and efficient input use, this may offer an additional tool, provided it delivers the expected results. A brochure summarising the scientific findings is available for professionals who want to review the data.
This article was previously published on 18 February 2026 on the website](https://www.fieldmanager.nl/article/53017/twee-biostimulanten-in-vloeibare-meststof-zorgen-voor-sterkere-grasplant-die-ook-nog-eens-beter-stikstof-kan-opnemen]website) of Fieldmanager.
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