1. Greenmaker promotion
12 February 2010 Golf Club Management
Greenmaker is a natural mineral comprising
99 percent clinoptilolite, a member of zeolite
family – a group of minerals that are most
useful for acting as chemical ‘sieves’, as well
as being highly effective as a water-retainer.
Recent testing of this wonder product would
suggest that this eco-friendly substance more
that substantiates the importer’s claims.
At Orlando Stadium, one of the premier
venues that will be used during the 2010
World Cup, the experiments with Greenmaker,
conducted by contractor Turftek, came up
trumps. In the first experiment, an area in
the shaded portion of the pitch alongside
the touchline, where severe compaction was
preventing adequate drainage, an area was
verti-drained using 20mm times to a depth of
150mm. A dressing mix, comprising 150kg
of Greenmaker and 0.08m³ of soil, was ap-
plied. After three treatments, with 450kg of
Greenmaker applied, it was very clear that the
drainage has improved dramatically and the
turf was much healthier than it had ever been.
In the area most prone to wear and tear, in
the goal mouth, an area of 30sqm was dug up
and 20 percent mixture was prepared using
1.2 tons of Greenmaker with the soil. The new
turf sods were planted on top of this. Again,
the vitality of the new sod proved that the
root system was relishing the effects of the
product. The cost of treating this 30sqm area
with Greenmaker came to R7 200.
Greenmaker is capable of absorbing up to
70 percent of its own weight in water and nu-
trients and minerals, and then slowly releases
these nutrients into the root zone. The product
absorbs 660 litres of water per cubic metre.
The three-dimensional structure and the nature
of the material allows for up to 15 times the
amount of absorption of nitrogen and potas-
sium. The product also retards the leaching out
of minerals. Importantly, Greenmaker is proven
to absorb and bind harmful heavy metals such
as zinc, manganese, lead and nickel.
The correct application of Greenmaker has
the following results:
■ Improved stability
■ Permanent improvement in structure
of the growing medium
■ Optimum water and air management
■ Fewer problems during drought conditions
■ Less mould
■ Limited thatch build-up
■ Better rooting and vitality
■ A reduction in maintenance
■ Better water absorption
■ Optimum nutrient delivery
■ Accelerated turf development
■ Vertical drainage
■ A reduction in leaching-out of fertilizers
and turf protection substances
Greenmaker, developed in the Nether-
lands, has been backed up with considerable
research undertaken by the University of Ap-
plied Agriculture and has been analysed by
laboratories such as TNO and STRI, the most
recent studies taking place in January 2009.
The product has now been recommended by
the USGA. ■
One of the most environmentally friendly products for application in soil supporting turfgrass has been
successfully tested on a soccer pitch to be used during the 2010 World Cup.
Proving its worth
More information on this revolutionary
product can be obtained from Anthea van Breemen:
Tel: 082 773 1960
E-mail: anthea@avbmarketing.co.za
Website: www.greenmaker.nl
in turfgrass management