Some biological, chemical, and physical properties of two sports ground soils after treatment with an enzyme soil conditioner

Abstract A product described by the manufacturer as an “organic liquid soil conditioner” that “improves soil conditions and promotes healthy grass and plant growth” has been investigated. These and other claims warranted study because sports clubs and local bodies were querying its value as a tool in the management of sports turf. In co-operation with the Dunedin City Council we monitored 2 sites chosen for treatment. We tested the ability of the product to (a) increase the activity of soil micro-organisms, (b) improve soil structure, and (c) increase the water infiltration rate of the soils. Enzymes were present in the product, but in low concentrations compared with those of native enzymes in the soil. No gross effects were observed for any of the indices of soil biological activity or for any of the physical and chemical properties measured after treatment with the product. There are other solutions to sports turf problems, and we would commend them as preferable to the use of this product.