When most people think about turf nutrition, they think NPK: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. But healthy turf doesn’t thrive on minerals alone—it thrives on biology.
Biostimulants are materials that stimulate natural processes in the soil and plant to enhance nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and overall health. Unlike fertilisers, they’re not about feeding the plant directly—they drive the green eco-system that supports the plant.
What Are Biostimulants?
Biostimulants come in various forms, each targeting a different part of the soil-plant system:
- Seaweed extracts – These are rich in plant hormones like cytokinins, auxins, and gibberellins.
- Cytokinins stimulate cell division and shoot growth, delay leaf senescence, and enhance chlorophyll production.
- Auxins promote cell elongation and play a key role in root initiation and development.
- Gibberellins promote stem elongation, seed germination, and early growth.
- Humic and fulvic acids – These are derived from decomposed organic matter.
- Humic acids improve nutrient retention and soil structure.
- Fulvic acids enter plant cells directly and enhance nutrient uptake.
- Molasses and carbohydrate sources – Provide energy for soil microbes.
- Furfural, found in sugarcane-derived molasses, plays a role in detering root herbivores like leatherjackets.
- Amino acids and peptides – Help plants manage stress and build proteins.
- Microbial inoculants – Introduce beneficial microbes like Bacillus and Trichoderma.
Why Biostimulants Matter
High-sand bowling green rootzones are often biologically sterile. Biostimulants help:
- Rebuild microbial life
- Improve root mass and nutrient cycling
- Reduce dependency on chemical fertilisers
Real Results, Real Products
At Bowls Central, we offer:
- BioActive Formula Green
- BioActive Seaweed
- BioActive MolTurf
- Humic and Fulvic Liquid
- BioActive KitoPlus Easy
- BioActive Thatch Reduce
- Sports Turf Root Developer
Each supports a different tier of the soil food web, helping you build a full-spectrum programme.
Conclusion
Biostimulants aren’t optional in natural greenkeeping—they’re foundational. Used right, they bring your soil to life—and improve your green’s health and performance.