Bicarbonates, and other anions like carbonates, found in many sources of irrigation water can affect soil properties by increasing their salinity and affecting the ratios of exchangeable sodium, calcium, and magnesium. Terreplex can counteract the bicarbonates by injecting into irrigation systems to neutralize the water, or by spray applications directly to the soil.

The by-products of the breakdown of the lignosulfonate/lignosulfonic acid in Terreplex are carbohydrates, sugars and other carbon-containing compounds. These compounds provide a food source for beneficial microbes living in the soil. Research indicates the numbers of soil microorganisms can increase two- to eight-fold within weeks of lignosulfonate/lignosulfonic acid application. Stimulating soil microbes to greater activity has shown to help breakdown organic matter, aid in conversion of fertilizer to available forms, improve soil structure, and reduce the severity of disease caused by soil-borne pathogens.

Turf managers can maintain a more neutral soil pH by applying Terreplex directly to the soil or by injecting Terreplex into irrigation water. Research indicates that soil pH is reduced following applications of lignosulfonate/lignosulfonic acid.

Decreasing soil pH unlocks many plant nutrients like calcium from insoluble, non-plant available forms, making them available to plants. However, it is not enough just to unlock plant nutrients as some forms are more plant available than others and some leach more readily than others. Terreplex converts plant nutrients like Ca and Mg to organic, lignosulfonate forms that remain plant available with minimal leaching.

The lignosulfonate compounds in Terreplex are natural chelating agents that have the potential to increase the availability of micronutrients.

Terreplex has the potential to reduce fertilizer inputs by:

1. Unlocking plant nutrients from non-plant available forms by neutralizing bicarbonates and adjusting pH
2. Stimulating soil microbes resulting in improved nutrient availability
3. Improving plant uptake of micronutrients through chelation

As Terreplex provides over 3 lbs of carbon per gallon, it is a rich source of carbon for stimulating microbial activity in the soil. It therefore has the potential to replace other carbon-rich stimulant products in a turf management program, resulting in cost savings.

Applying acid directly to soil or acidifying irrigation water accelerates the dissolution of minerals containing calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium. As these minerals dissolve, they release ions into the soil that promote clay flocculation, improve soil permeability and increase fertility. Improved flocculation and permeability aids in air and water movement in the soil.

Terreplex can be safely applied by spraying directly on turf, and is not classified by DOT as a hazardous material. It does not require special storage or handling for injection or spray applications.

Terreplex can be used as a descalent to clean deposits from irrigation lines. Normal use rates and intervals can prevent deposition. Higher rates may be required to clean out previously clogged lines.