The possibilities of natural and organic surfactants
Synthetic and conventional chemistries have previously dominated the turfgrass wetting agent market. These include ionic and non-ionic soil surfactants. More recently, the use of more sustainable compounds produced by plants, bacteria, yeasts and fungi is being investigated for plant growth promotion through moisture management in agriculture, including turfgrass. These biosurfactants are attractive because of their reduced environmental impact and noteworthy efficacy. This seminar will review the current knowledge and advances in biosurfactant technologies as they relate to potential amenity turf applications.
Learning outcomes:
- Understanding of biosurfactant classes
- Difference between conventional and biological surfactants
- Assessment of peer-reviewed research publications focused on biosurfactant use in agriculture including amenity turf
- Methods for optimising the use of biosurfactants in amenity turf
- Review of commercially available biosurfactant products
- Future of biosurfactants for amenity turf
Presented by:
