Frequently Asked Questions about Terreplex:
- What is Terreplex?
- What is Terreplex used for?
- How does Terreplex compare to other sprayable acid products?
- What is the importance of the carbon content of Terreplex?
- Are there any additional impacts I can expect to see with regular use of Terreplex?
- How do I determine the use rate?
- Once I determine my use rate, will it stay the same throughout the season and from year to year?
- Once I treat with Terreplex and ‘cure’ the problem, is it necessary to continue treatment?
- Do I need any special equipment to apply Terreplex?
- Can I tank mix Terreplex?
- Can I apply Terreplex through my irrigation system?
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- What is Terreplex?
Terreplex is a carbon rich, acidic mixture of lignosulfonic acids derived from the natural polymer, lignin, a renewable, natural resource.Back to top - What is Terreplex used for?
Terreplex can be used to reduce bicarbonates and/or unwanted salts that may negatively impact turf quality, improve soil pH, stimulate soil microbes , convert locked nutrients into forms that are more available to plants, open soil pores and improve flocculation.Back to top - How does Terreplex compare to other sprayable acid products?
Terreplex differs from other sprayable acid products in a number of significant ways:- The lignosulfonic acid in Terreplex reacts in the soil to form calcium lignosulfonate, a highly soluble, plant-available source of calcium with minimal leaching. Compare this to other acids that react in the soil to form chloride-containing salts (e.g., calcium chloride) or low-solubility compounds that are not readily available to plants (e.g., calcium phosphate).
- Lignosulfonate compounds are natural chelating agents that have the potential to increase the availability of micronutrients.
- Unlike synthetic and other acid products, Terreplex is derived from lignin, the second most abundant organic polymer on earth, and delivers over three pounds of carbon per gallon.
- As a significant source of carbon, Terreplex has the potential to replace other carbon-rich stimulant products in a turf management program, resulting in a cost savings to the superintendent.
- What is the importance of the carbon content of Terreplex?
A major fraction of the material that becomes soil humus naturally is contributed by the decomposition of lignin. Similarly, the by-products from the breakdown of Terreplex (carbohydrates, sugars and other carbon-containing compounds) provide a food source for beneficial soil microbes contributing to overall soil productivity. Research indicates the numbers of soil microorganisms can increase within weeks of lignosulfonate/lignosulfonic acid application. Stimulating soil microbes to greater activity has many beneficial effects including conversion of fertilizer to available forms, improvement of soil structure, and the potential to significantly reduce the severity of disease caused by soil-borne pathogens.Back to top - Are there any additional impacts I can expect to see with regular use of Terreplex?
In addition to the impact on bicarbonates and salts, Terreplex has the potential to impact fertilizer inputs by:- unlocking plant nutrients from non-plant available forms by removing bicarbonates and adjusting pH
- improving uptake of micronutrients through chelation
- stimulating soil microbes to improve nutrient availability
- How do I determine the use rate?
The label contains guideline rates that will work for most applications. (To determine optimum rates for an individual site, a water and/or soil test should be done. A Terreplex application program typically begins with an initial shock treatment (64 oz/A) to address accumulated bicarbonates, etc., in the soil followed by a maintenance program of 32-64 oz/A at 14-day intervals.Back to top - Once I determine my use rate, will it stay the same throughout the season and from year to year?
A number of factors can influence the severity of the problem, and thus use rate, including the amount of rainfall, irrigation frequency and soil type; e.g., a ‘mini’ drought during the growing season may require higher rates for a period of time. Severity can also vary from year to year requiring rate adjustments from season to season.Back to top - Once I treat with Terreplex and ‘cure’ the problem, is it necessary to continue treatment?
Typically, when a turf manager has a problem with high salts, bicarbonates, etc., it is due to environmental conditions like irrigation water quality, soil type, amount of natural rainfall, etc. These conditions persist after any Terreplex applications are discontinued, returning the site to its former condition over time. Therefore, acidification is an ongoing commitment and not a situation that can be treated and forgotten.Back to top - Do I need any special equipment to apply Terreplex?
Unlike sulfuric acid which is classified by DOT as a hazardous material requiring special storage and handling, Terreplex can be safely handled and stored and requires no special equipment for injection or spray application.Back to top - Can I tank mix Terreplex?
As is the case with any acid, do not tank mix Terreplex with any products of an alkaline nature or any that are sensitive to a low pH environment. Tank mixing acid with alkaline solutions can reduce some of the acidification properties, leaving little or no activity to react with bicarbonates, etc., in the soil. Tank mixing acid with products like pesticides that are sensitive to low pH can reduce their efficacy. For maximum efficacy, we recommend that Terreplex be applied alone. If tank mixing is necessary (avoid alkaline materials or those sensitive to low pH environments and do a jar test), apply tank contents immediately. Do not let them stand.Back to top - Can I apply Terreplex through my irrigation system?
Yes, Terreplex is labeled for use in irrigation systems. Contact your local Terreplex representative or Mitchell Products with any specific questions.Back to top