It is always interesting to see the different types of applications for mycorrhizal fungi among various growers. One area we continue to see a lot of growth is with landscapers and lawn professionals. Sometimes these are one in the same where they offer complete solutions or they are specialized for either one.
Landscapers
We have found landscapers to adapt mycorrhizae and other biological solutions in order to insure the quality of the products they are planting. It starts with healthy trees or plants. However, those trees or plants need an insurance policy, particularly when landscapers offer full replacements if they do not perform. Although we have some landscapers that are fully organic based on their own philosophies and client demands, many of the traditional landscapers are finding that organic methodologies that incorporate mycorrhizae tend to create better performance and healthier landscapes. Often it also reduces their costs. Below are our general landscape guidelines.
For 1-gallon plants, use 1 dose in the planting hole. For 5-gallon plants, use 2 doses. For the largest plants, use up to 5 doses. There is no need to ever use more than 5 doses on any plant - the objective is simply to get the fungi established on a root, and they will then colonize the entire root system as well as neighboring plants. For seeded or turf areas, we recommend applying the spores as a drench after seeding or sodding, at a minimum rate of 1 lb. per 2000 sq. ft. Use this same rate for hydroseeding applications. Note that the exact dilution is not critical – just the area covered.
Lawn Care
We have done a number of posts on how to create biologically healthy lawns:
http://bio-organics.com/newsletter/chemical-free-lawns-and-fields/
http://bio-organics.com/newsletter/converting-to-a-bio-lawn/
For lawns, our endomycorrhizal inoculants is sufficient (lawns do not need the ecto).
As always, we are here to answer any specific questions regarding applications and complimentary products/methodologies for optimal performance.
Good Growing,
Graham Phillips
BioOrganics