TURF PIGMENT FOR GOLF AND SPORTS TURF.
As turf agronomists, we believe that our customers deserve the most cost-effective solutions to problems. One of these is choosing the right turf pigment.
Turf pigments have become popular for several reasons:
- They give an immediate natural green colour.
- Turf pigments are a low-cost alternative to overseeding. 1 Ha costs AUS $38-120 to treat with Vertmax Pigments. Overseeding costs over $2000/Ha!
- These pigments filter out damaging UV light and improve turf health.
Turf Pigment Products.
Vertmax Turf Pigment with QDT.
Vertmax pigment has the highest pigment load on the market, and gives all turf surfaces a natural green colour.
Key Benefits.
- Even at the low rates of 800 ml to 1 L/Ha it gives an immediate natural green colour.
- Vertmax Pigment is tank compatible with all pesticides and fertilisers.
- Quick Dry Technology (QDT) causes it to dry within 1 hour of use. Because it doesn’t go back into solution after a heavy dew or irrigation it doesn’t stain.
- Available in 10 or 20 L drums.
- Made in Australia,
Technical Advantages.
- Highest UV stability – protects turf for longer
- Weather resistant – doesn’t wash off
- Highest pigment load on the market – most cost-effective solution
- Lasts 17 days (daily cut golf greens) to three months (dormant couch).
Vertmax® Duo Pigment with QDT.
Vertmax® Duo pigment is the same pigment concentrate found in Vertmax Pigment plus a unique bio-stimulant package.
Key Benefits of Vertmax® Duo Turf Pigment.
- Improves lateral root growth
- Faster seed germination and establishment times
- Highly tank compatible, pairs well with turf chemicals like Lexicon Intrinsic.
- Elicits plant response and increases stress tolerance
- Enables turf to fight against disease due to a high load of salicylic acid
- Available in 1 L containers
- Low application rate of only 1 L/Ha.
- Made in Australia.
The 2024 IGFH Turf Pesticides Manual has a complete list of pigments in use in Australia.
How Turf Pigments Protect Against UV Light.
Bent grass and Winter Grass only use a certain amount of light in the 400 to 500 μmols m² s⁻¹ range. Photosynthetic saturation tends to occur in the Summer when light intensities are often over 2,500 μmols m2 s-1.
This level of light saturation has a negative impact on turf performance, wear tolerance, and disease resistance. A Light intensity above this level causes photosynthetic saturation, which:
- Negatively impacts turf performance
- Reduces wear tolerance
- Decreases disease resistance.
How Vertmax Works:
Vertmax turf pigments allow PAR light transmission but at a lower light intensity, creating:
- A healthier turf surface
- Protection as UV light is absorbed or reflected away
Application Guide: How to Use Vertmax Turf Pigments.
Step-By-Step Instructions.
Here are some simple steps to get the best results when you use the Vertmax Range of turf pigments.
- Measure the area you are treating.
- Put on gloves. (Recommended gloves here).
- Shake the container well.
- Use our rate table to calculate how much to use.
Mixing Instructions.
- Half fill your spray tank.
- Add the recommended amount of turf pigment and agitate.
- Continue to fill the spray tank
- Apply the mix to the area.
- Clean the sprayer and nozzle with clean water after use.
Colour Adjustment.
For a darker green colour:
- Add more Vertmax to your sprayer, or
- Add iron sulphate and manganese sulphate to the mix.
Case Studies & Results.
Below is a before and after photo gallery showing the stunning results you can get from these unique turf pigments. Thanks to Bonnie Doon Golf Club for the aerial drone footage.
Comparative Turf Pigment Trials.
In head-to-head pigment trials, Vertmax Duo Pigment provided a more natural and longer-lasting green colour than other turf pigments including:
- Ryder Pigment
- Flex
- Ambient Plus
- Endurant TE.
Turf Colourant Transfer.
In trials to look at the drying times of Vertmax vs MP Verdant turf pigment:
- After 1 hour no pigment transfer occurs at 15°C and
- At -2°C no transfer occurs after 1 hour.
In Europe at a UK Premier League ground vs Ryder turf pigment. The results show that at the same rates with the same drying time, Vertmax Duo pigment does not stain.
These are links to Turf Pigment and Colourant information.
Turf Health Benefits of Vertmax Duo.
Research into the longevity of Vertmax Duo Pigment on golf greens.
Research into grass seed for oversowing vs pigments.
Summary.
Turf pigments are cost-effective alternatives to overseeding. They give an instant green colour in periods of Winter dormancy.
However, they do not provide any increase in wear like an overseeded turf grass. Turf pigments mask pale grass, blemishes, and dormant turf grass, and you can use them on warm or cool season turf.
In the case of Vertmax Duo this offers a unique IPM option to manage turf disease and improve turf health.
Comprehensive Turf Pigment Comparison Table.
Below is a comprehensive table showing the properties of several commonly available pigments in Australia.
Product | Size (L) | Company | Price ($/L) | Cost Per 100m2 | Cost Per Ha | Does Not Stain | Elicitor | Contains Spreader | Made in Australia |
Vertmax* 20 | 20 | Gilba | $39 | $0.39 | $39 | ||||
Vertmax* 10 | 10 | Gilba | $49 | $0.49 | $49 | ||||
Foursome | 3.79 | Greenway | $72.6 | $0.798-1.08 | $79.8-108 | ||||
Ryder | 1 | Syngenta | $110 | $0.825-2.2 | $82.5-220 | ||||
Vertmax Duo* | 1 | Gilba | $120 | $1.2 | $120 | ||||
Colour King | 5 | Turf Mate | $74.8 | $1.74-3.48 | $174-348 | ||||
Deep Green | 0.1 | Lawn Shed | $190 | $1.9-4.75 | $190-475 | ||||
Instagreen | 0.25 | Lawn Porn | $238 | $2.38 | $238 | ||||
ColourGuard Plus | 2.5 | Lawn Solutions | $84 | $3.36 | $336 | ||||
Colourmaxx | 0.125 | Lawn Solutions | $296 | $7.1 | $710 |
* Do not stain clothes if allow to dry
Graph of turf pigment cost per litre
graph of turf pigment cost to treat 100m2
Where to Buy Vertmax Pigments.
Follow these links if you wish to purchase Vertmax products. Vertmax Duo or Vertmax pigments.
FAQ
How Long do Turf Pigments Last?
How long turf pigments last depends on several factors:
- The time of year you use them.
- The colour of the turf when you first apply them.
- How wet the turf is. You get better results if you irrigate prior to use as this hydrates the turf and gives better coverage.
- How often you mow. In trials we have found that in a golf green situation where mowing is carried out every day that they only last at best 17 days.
In contrast on semi domant/dormant couch grass where mowing is only once a week turf pigments last up to 3 months.
Are turf pigments and colourants safe for pets and children?
Turf pigments and colourants and pigments are totally safe for pets and children. However once you apply they need to dry or else product will be transferred where you don’t want it. After 1 to 2 hours Vertmax pigment are usually dry and its safe to walk on the grass again.
Are Vertmax pigments compatible with fertilisers and pesticides?
The simply answer is yes, Vertmax turf pigments are compatible with fertilisers and pesticides. We have carried out extensive testing and these products have been in use for several years and we have still to find a fertiliser or pesticide where there are compatibility issues.
