Neosol: what is it and what does it do?

Original article in Dutch by Wijnand Meijboom available here.

Interview with Hans Bluemink (Territory Manager Benelux for Olmix Group ). Published by Vakblad Greenkeeper (NWST), leading Dutch trade magazine for people who are responsible for maintaining and operating golf accommodations.

The Olmix Group has a long history, which started in a Breton village in northern France. The group is now active worldwide and has a lot of knowledge, for example about seaweed, which is used in all kinds of products. These products help not only farmers, but also greenkeepers, field managers and gardeners to improve soil life on their work site. Neosol is one such product.

Neosol is a soil fertily activator in granular form, that must be spread in the autumn. At that time of year, the temperature and moisture content of the soil are ideal for the application of Neosol. The granules provide fungi and bacteria with the right food (trace elements and sugars from seaweed), which activates them and helps with the digestion of vegetable waste in the soil. This artificial gear is extra useful for soils with a lot of woody residues, which generally turn into humus more slowly.

Fungi, in turn, form passages (pores) in the soil with their threads, which in turn can be used by grass and plants to root deeper. The 'fungal corridors' are also a solution against compaction of the soil. As a result, the soil becomes more airy when using Neosol. An additional advantage is that the water management improves due to this increase in the underground passage system. Both drainage and water supply from below to the grass or plants becomes easier. The longer Neosol is used, the deeper compaction in the soil is prevented and the old, natural soil structure is restored with sufficient air passages.

This improved soil structure means that in a period of drought, moisture regulation is maintained for longer and, for example, a lawn remains green for longer. After all, thanks to the airy soil and longer roots, the existing plants can reach the water better.

With Neosol, the Olmix Group also wants to raise awareness of the importance of a healthy world underground. Independent test stations are called in to make this actually visible to everyone. So also for greenkeepers, field managers and gardeners, to convince them of the long-term effect. After all, you use the grains in the autumn and the effect is only noticeable in the spring.