Covington Liquid Lawn & Soil Aerator Test Results UGA Turfgrass Research Center Purpose of study: to evaluate the effects of Covington Liquid Lawn & Soil Aerator on turf health and soil. Location: Athens Turfgrass Research and Education Center, Athens, GA MATERIALS AND METHODS Research was conducted on a mature stand of 'TifTuf' hybrid Bermuda grass maintained at a 0.5 inch mowing height. The soil type was a Cecil clay loam with a soil pH of 5.9. Treatments were initiation on July 15, 2020 and were applied with a CO2 backpack sprayer. Irrigated was applied weekly with an overhead irrigation system that provided 1.5 inches of water per week. Turfgrass color (scale of 1 to 9), turfgrass quality (scale of 1 to 9), NDVI, volumetric water content (% - 3 averaged readings), and surface hardness (Clegg Hammer) were recorded weekly throughout the duration of the trial. Four 1-inch wide soil cores were removed to a depth of 6 inches at trial initiation and monthly thereafter. Cores were washed of all soil and roots were dried and weighed (g) to produce one measurement per plot. Water infiltration rates were conducted at trial initiation and monthly thereafter. A 6-inch infiltration ring was inserted into the ground approximately 1-inch. Tap water (444 mls) was poured into each cylinder and a stop watch was used to determine the amount of time it took for water to completely infiltrate the soil profile. Soil penetrometer readings to measure soil compaction deep within the soil profile were conducted at trial initiation and monthly thereafter. Three readings were taken in each plot and averaged together. Treatments were initiated on July 15, 2020 on a 'TifTuf' hybrid bermudagrass maintained at 0.5 inches. At 28 days after initial treatment (DAIT) the two aerification treatments were the only treatments that had a reduction in soil compaction, while all of the other treatments exhibited an increase in soil compaction even greater than the non-treated check. However, all treatments except Covington Liquid Lawn & Soil Aerator applied alone had less of an increase in surface hardness compared to the non-treated check at 28 DAIT. Water infiltration was improved 28 DAIT in response to all treatments. More root biomass was observed in response to all treatments compared to the non-treated check. *Covington Liquid Lawn & Soil Aerator root mass increased by < 5% from initial measurements (AVG .215G at day 0, .2275G at day 28). At 56 DAIT, similar trends continued with respect to soil compaction and surface hardness. All treatments resulted in a decrease in surface hardness greater than the non-treated check except Covington Liquid Lawn & Soil Aerator applied alone 56 DAIT. All treatments exhibited longer infiltration rates than the non-treated check 56 DAIT. At 85 DAIT this trend was completely different, Covington Aerator and both aerification treatments had infiltration rates ≤ 67 seconds, while the non-treated check had an infiltration rate of 160 seconds. Similar trends were observed for soil compaction and surface hardness at 85 DAIT compared to previous rating dates. At the conclusion of the trial, only the two aerification treatments exhibited reduced soil compaction, surface hardness, and water infiltration rates compared to the non-treated check. However, all treatments resulted in a greater increase in root biomass compared to the non-treated check 104 DAIT. Results from this trial suggest that Covington Liquid Lawn & Soil Aerator treatments are not a replacement for hollow tine aerification; however, Covington Liquid Lawn & Soil Aerator treatments did have a positive impact of surface hardness (compaction in the upper 2 inches of the soil). Covington Liquid Lawn & Soil Aerator treatments may have had a greater impact on soil compaction deeper in the soil profile if material was able to penetrate further. Always read and follow label directions. Covington Liquid Lawn & Soil Aerator results UGA Turfgrass Research Center (continued) A) Rooting Stats Covington Liquid Lawn & Soil Aerator alone at 6 ounces per thousand feet. Covington Aerator + HFK-633 (Compaction Cure) 6 ounces and 3 ounces per thousand feet. Each material had 4 test plots for the purpose of repetition. Upon completion of 2020 the average root weights from each repetition were as follows: CONTROL: .247g MECHANICAL AERATION: .305g Covington Aerator 298g Covington Liquid Lawn & Soil Aerator+ HFK-633 (Compaction Cure combo): .375g B) Mechanical Aeration with and without the addition of Covington Aerator. Day of initial application PSI readings. Plot 1 Mechanical alone Plot 2 mechanical + Covington Liquid Lawn & Soil Aerator Start of trial, Plot 1: 357PSI. End of trial 365PSI Start of trial, Plot 2: 335 PSI. End of trail 277 PSI BENEFITS Covington Liquid Lawn & Soil Aerator is a valuable tool in increasing root mass, plant health, water penetration and addressing compaction in the top 2" of soil. While Covington Liquid Lawn & Soil Aerator is not a direct replacement for mechanical aeration in heavily compacted areas, Covington Liquid Lawn & Soil Aerator will add value to residential lawns with these key features:
• No mess. Soil stays in its place and roots dive deeper.
• Greater water penetration. Easy application.
• No additional machinery or employees needed to achieve results.
• LOW COST both in manpower and material
•Noticeably healthier turf when used as part of an existing lawn program
Always read and follow label directions.
