Harvest-ready turf in under four months

As a forward-thinking, research-driven organisation, Maxstim is committed to advancing agricultural practices to support growers in meeting their goals. Our mission is to deliver sustainable, practical solutions to the evolving challenges turf growers face today.

Challenges in turf production

The pressures on turf growers worldwide are substantial, with environmental factors, regulatory constraints and market demands affecting their work. Key challenges include the impact of climate change, rising operational costs, stricter environmental regulations, and concerns over plastic waste.
We understand the importance of providing growers with solid evidence before implementing change. That’s why all Maxstim protocols are backed by rigorous scientific testing, with trials conducted both in controlled laboratory settings and by growers in real-world conditions.

A successful field trial in the Netherlands

Our turf specialist, Tim Cannon, recently visited two experienced turf growers in the Netherlands who trialled our Maxstim Turf and Cynosa™ turf protocols with impressive results. They had a challenging start. However, even with wet weather delaying their sowing dates until early May, both growers aimed to have their turf ready for harvest by September 2024.

Four-step application process
They followed a four-step application process, with each treatment applied at critical growth stages to ensure optimal turf development:

Pre-emergent application: Applied before or immediately after sowing.
10-14 days post-emergence: In early June, ensuring the young plants had begun growing strongly.
14-20 days after the second application: Applied in early July to support mid-growth.
14-20 days after the third application: Completed between late July and early August.

Each application used 10 litres/ha of Maxstim Turf and 2 litres/ha of Cynosa™, integrated with fertiliser to maximise the crop’s growth potential.

Remarkable results achieved

By 26 August 2024, just shy of four months post-sowing, both growers reported outstanding results, with the treated turf areas ready for commercial harvest. Van de Wetering Graszoden, one of the growers, successfully harvested high-quality, market-ready turf with strong, cohesive sods. In comparison, the untreated sections lagged behind, producing turf that could not form viable rolls.

Impressive Maxstim turf rolls, grown and harvested in just 9 months

Another grower Paul said: “I wish I had treated the whole field. Now, I’ll have to wait until spring 2025 to harvest the remaining untreated area.” Recognising the benefits, he has now treated a new sowing from September 2024, aiming to harvest in April or May 2025.

Both turf rolls were harvested after only 9 months. The turf sample on the left was treated control and the sample on the right was grown with Maxstim

A full-field success story

Johan from Bodenstaff Graszoden, who treated his entire field when it was sown in May, managed to harvest a full pallet of 60m² without waste. Reflecting on Maxstim’s impact, he said, “I now have a steady turf supply through winter and into early 2025. The products have made a significant difference to sod strength.”

Optimising future turf harvests

Looking to 2025, both growers are committed to regularly implementing the Maxstim Turf and Cynosa™ protocol. They are planning:

Early sowing: Begin sowing in March or April to ensure harvest-ready turf by late summer.
Autumn sowing: Plant in September or October for a spring harvest the following year.

Proven benefits of Maxstim

These turf growers have observed several significant advantages when adopting the Maxstim protocol:

Double-cropping potential: Achieving two harvests within a 14-month cycle.
Reduced production costs: Lower input costs per crop cycle.
Higher margins: Increased profitability per m2.
Enhanced land use efficiency: Maximising the productivity of each field.
Minimised harvest waste: Significantly reduced waste at harvest time.

This approach has become a breakthrough for these turf growers, enabling them to boost productivity, meet demand reliably and enhance the strength and quality of their turf in a more sustainable, efficient manner.

Conclusion

The 2024 trials confirm that the Maxstim Turf and Cynosa™ products, applied with precision timing, can significantly elevate turf quality and strength – even under challenging conditions. These growers are now better equipped to manage their crop cycles, improve efficiency, and seize growth opportunities year-round.