Mineral Magic

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Golf Courses

Golf Courses

The use of amorphous silica (Mineral Magic) is nothing new in the soil amendment regime of some of the world’s most famous golf courses including;

Closer to home we have a number of “Australia’s Top 100” that have either utilised or trialled Mineral Magic in either green or nursery construction including;

Key Benefits

Mineral Magic for Golf Courses.

Mineral Magic holds more than 60% of it’s own volume in water. Unlike many amendments though, that water retained is plant available and just continues to ‘charge up and release’ for ever. It’s honeycomb like structure creates a massive specific surface area to achieve this.
Once full of water, the mineral does not change form in any way like swelling, slaking, or going soft.

 

The feature of the water retention is that it works totally independently of the specification of the soil and therefore does not lead inhibit the free drainage desired in winter. In fact it actually works in a positive way by drawing excess water into the honeycomb like structure and reducing the effects of waterlogging and increasing firmness.

As shown is a study by Dr. Ed McCoy (Ohio State University), titled “Water Flow in Putting Greens” shows that amorphous silica blends can delay the onset of drought stress in greens by two days compared to peat.

 

In addition the slow release of monosilicic acid (Plant Available Silicon) from Mineral Magic has been scientifically proven to slow down transpiration to provide additional heat and drought stress.

Mineral Magic retains moisture at the root zone, virtually eliminating the time-intensive chore of hand watering due to a localised dry spot.

A Mineral Magic/sand root zone mix holds on to more fertiliser at the root zone and exchanges nutrients more efficiently with a CEC of approximately 50 times that of the sand. Fewer nutrients leached into the water table means a positive impact on the environment.

Using Mineral Magic instead of peat as an amendment for sand-based greens gives the root zone a higher CEC value (nutrient-holding capacity) and this lengthens the intervals and/or the application rates and therefore reduces the amount of fertiliser costs.

One of the most significant benefits of using Mineral Magic is the slow release of monosilicic acid (Plant Available Silicon) . Monosilicic acid has been proven to provide a major resistance to all biotic and abiotic stresses by strengthening the cell wall of the plant.

 

Silicon disease reduction in various turfgrass species

 

SpeciesDiseaseReduction
ZoysiagrassLeaf BlightYes
Creeping BentgrassRoot Rot, Brown patch, Dollar SpotYes
KY BluegrassPowdery MildewYes
Couch/BermudaBipolaris Leaf SpotYes
BuffaloGrey Leaf SpotYes
Perennial RyegrassGrey Leaf SpotYes

Ref: Datnoff, L.E. (2005). Silicon in the Life and Performance of Turfgrass. Applied Turfgrass Science, 2(1), pp.1-6.

 

In addition, better aeration and air/water-holding capacity at the root zone reduces the pressure on turf that leaves it susceptible to insect or disease damage. Healthier turf means less pesticide use and that translates into greater profitability for you.

Unlike peat and other inferior conditioners that naturally degrade over time, Mineral Magic particles retain their structure to permanently enhance the root zone.

 

Even after 20 years of use – long after peat/sand mixes fall out of USGA spec – there is minimal degradation in amorphous silica/sand mixes.

Mineral Magic/sand greens have a greater oxygen-holding capacity than peat/sand greens. Greater oxygen at the root zone aids in the ability to combat localized dry spot, wet greens, compaction, traffic, algae, and poor nutrient retention.

As shown in a study by Dr. Ed McCoy (Ohio State University), “Analysis of Water Flow and Turfgrass Stress,” the increased porosity of 20 percent amorphous silica* amended root zone allows roots to grow approximately 70mm deeper than when amended with peat. Deeper roots mean greater resistance to heat and wear stress.

 

Closer to home – at the Mt Lawley Golf Club in WA, the roots were protruding out of the bottom of the cup changer at 8 weeks!* (US product – “Profile”)

Mineral Magic develops a symbiotic relationship with organic amendments and enhanced microbial activity. Mineral Magic is not a silver bullet. It does however form an integral part of what we describe as;

 

SOAP – Sum Of All Parts

 

Another of the parts required in achieving the best amended soil for turfgrass production is an organic in the form of compost or manure.

 

In all field trials and reconstructions we have witnessed;

  •  Mineral Magic made a significant difference over any control plot that was untreated
  •  Organic compost made a significant difference over any control plot that was untreated
  •  The two of these combined made an exponential difference ( a 1 + 1 = 3 so to speak ) and outperformed either of the treatments just on their own.

The most distinctive evidence of this was the water holding capacity, rhizosphere (root) biomass and the Fungal/Bacteria ratio. ( As tested with microBIOMETER® )

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Council Parks & Gardens
Garden Conditioner

Council Parks & Gardens

Soil amendments such as amorphous silica (Mineral Magic) can enhance soil structure and fertility, leading to healthier and more productive landscapes. Healthy soil requires less ongoing maintenance, reducing costs associated with replanting, pest control, and soil remediation. Healthy soil is essential for growing plants, trees, and grass in public parks, gardens, and recreational areas.

Soil amendments like Mineral Magic can contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing the need for chemical inputs, conserving water, and minimizing soil degradation.
Councils often manage public spaces for aesthetic purposes. Healthy, well-nourished plants and lawns create more appealing and visually pleasing landscapes

Key Benefits

Mineral Magic for Commercial Turf & Gardens.

Amorphous silica can enhance soil structure by increasing its porosity and reducing compaction.

 

This allows for better water infiltration, root penetration, and aeration, leading to healthier plants.

Amorphous Silica can adsorb and release nutrients, making them more available to plants over time.

 

This can help improve nutrient retention in the soil, reducing the need for frequent fertilization.

Amorphous Silica can help plants become more drought-resistant by improving their ability to retain water.

 

This is particularly important in parks and gardens where irrigation may not always be readily available.

Some studies suggest that amorphous silica can strengthen plant cell walls, making them more resistant to diseases and pests.

 

This can reduce the need for chemical treatments in maintaining the park and garden’s health.

Amorphous silica can promote root development, leading to stronger and healthier plants.

 

This is especially beneficial for establishing and maintaining mature trees and shrubs in public spaces. capacity of these trees.

Silica can enhance the availability of other essential minerals in the soil, such as calcium and magnesium, which are important for overall tree health.

Environmental Benefits Using amorphous silica in soil improvement aligns with sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

 

It can reduce the runoff of nutrients and chemicals into local waterways, promoting ecosystem health.

While there may be an initial investment in incorporating amorphous silica into park and garden soils, the long-term benefits, such as reduced water usage, lower maintenance costs, and healthier plants, can lead to cost savings over time.

If the council is involved in infrastructure projects, the use of amorphous silica as a pozzolan for strengthening concrete and making environmentally friendly cement can contribute to sustainable construction practices.

Silica can help stabilize soil particles, reducing erosion in areas with high foot traffic or water flow.

More Information

For best application rates and a cost calculation, try our easy to use calculators!

Ovals ‐ Sports & Schools

Ovals ‐ Sports & Schools

Incorporating soil amendment products like Mineral Magic into any surface from school ovals to elite sporting grounds can contribute to healthier, more sustainable, and better-performing fields. A well-maintained turf surface provides a safer playing environment, reducing the risk of injuries for athletes and students. It offers better traction and cushioning, minimizing the impact on joints during physical activities.

A lush and vibrant turf surface adds to the overall appearance of a sports field or school grounds, creating a positive and inviting environment for students, athletes, and spectators alike.

Key Benefits

Mineral Magic for Ovals – Sports & Schools.

A well-maintained turf surface provides a safer playing environment, reducing the risk of injuries for athletes and students.

 

It offers better traction and cushioning, minimizing the impact on joints during physical activities.

High-quality turf is more resilient and can withstand heavy use. It can handle frequent games, practices, and other events without becoming damaged or worn out quickly.

A smooth and even turf surface enhances the overall playability of sports fields. It ensures consistent ball roll and bounce, making the playing experience fair and enjoyable.

A smooth and even turf surface enhances the overall playability of sports fields. It ensures consistent ball roll and bounce, making the playing experience fair and enjoyable.

A lush and vibrant turf adds to the overall appearance of a sports field or school grounds, creating a positive and inviting environment for students, athletes, and spectators.

Your product, Mineral Magic, can contribute to the health of the soil beneath the turf. By enhancing soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability.

 

It can support the growth of healthy grass, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and promoting eco-friendly practices.

A high-quality turf surface often requires less water due to its improved soil structure.

 

With the use of products like Mineral Magic, which can improve water retention, you can reduce water consumption while maintaining healthy grass.

While the initial investment in quality turf may be higher, it can lead to cost savings in the long run. Reduced maintenance requirements, such as mowing and fertilization, can offset the initial expenses.

Well-maintained sports fields can serve as community hubs for recreational activities, bringing people together and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.

Schools with quality turf fields can use them as educational tools.

 

Students can learn about turf management, biology, and environmental sustainability through hands-on experiences.

A high-quality turf surface can accommodate various sports and activities, making it a versatile asset for both schools and sports facilities.

More Information

For best application rates and a cost calculation, try our easy to use calculators!

Lawn Conditioner

Tree & Shrub Planting

Using a soil amendment like Mineral Magic, when planting trees and shrubs can offer several benefits, especially during the hot Australian summers.

Attributes such as soil moisture and nutrient retention, increased root development and reduced transpiration can increase the survival rate of trees and shrubs and also reduced the high costs of hand-watering.

Key Benefits

Mineral Magic for Tree & Shrub Planting.

Amorphous silica in your product can enhance soil’s water-holding capacity. This is crucial during summer when water is often scarce. It helps keep the soil consistently moist, reducing the risk of drought stress for newly planted trees and shrubs.

 

Water savings of over 15% have been achieved already of a number of trials.

Mineral Magic can help retain nutrients in the soil, making them available to plants for a longer duration.

 

This ensures that trees and shrubs have access to essential nutrients even in hot weather when nutrient leaching is more common.

Soil amendments like amorphous silica can create a favorable environment for root growth.

 

Healthy, well-developed roots are better equipped to withstand heat stress and drought conditions.

Silica can act as an insulator, helping to regulate soil temperature.

 

This can protect the roots of trees and shrubs from extreme heat, preventing them from overheating and becoming damaged.

Soil amendments can improve soil structure by preventing compaction and promoting better aeration.

 

This allows roots to penetrate the soil more easily, accessing water and nutrients effectively.

The improved water retention provided by Mineral Magic can reduce water loss due to evaporation.

 

This means that the water you provide for your plants is used more efficiently, benefiting their survival during hot, dry spells.

Healthy soil with good nutrient availability can also help plants resist diseases and pests.

 

This can be especially important in maintaining the health of trees and shrubs during challenging conditions like summer.

Many synthetic products can damage and even kill native plants. Mineral Magic is inert and also certified organic, so it is safe to use with all plants and impossible to overdose or burn.

More Information

For best application rates and a cost calculation, try our easy to use calculators!