Product review: Attain, powered by AquaVita™ Technology

By Alistair February 6, 2019 05:43 Updated

What is the new technology that Aquatrols is launching?

Working in conjunction with our research and technology partners, Aquatrols is launching novel microbial and soil biochemistry solutions for plant nutrition, water management and plant health. The company’s continuing work on soil-plant systems demonstrates new insights for soil science and nutrient management. By applying this knowledge, Aquatrols is developing innovative new solutions, in the form of AquaVita technology, that help to address the sustainability and environmental challenges facing the professional sports turf manager.

What do you mean by ‘biochemistry’ solutions for plant nutrition?

Biochemistry is the science of chemical compounds and processes that are generated by the activity of various organisms. Simply put, it is the chemistry of life. In the context of plant nutrition, interactions between plants and micro-organisms in the soil or, more specifically, their biochemical metabolites or by-products (such as various proteins, enzymes, organic acids and chelators) can have a significant impact on nutrient availability, uptake and use. Aquatrols is dedicated to better understanding these interactions and translating these findings into effective biological products that can be used to improve plant nutrition in conjunction with water management and the soil:air:water balance in the rhizosphere.

Untreated on 03/09/2018

Treated with 10L/ha – image shows results 21 days after treatment

Why focus on biochemistry?

The soil’s biochemistry is incredibly complex. This presents a great challenge, since just beginning to unravel and understand this complex biochemistry and its applications may take decades. However, it also offers us the extraordinary potential for discovering new ways to support and enhance management practices. Better understanding the biochemical pathways and mechanisms that influence the soil-plant system will help us develop practical and effective solutions that enhance nutrient use efficiency. This will ultimately allow better utilisation of nutrient resources and more efficient performance.

How is this different from other traditional nutritional products?

Existing products rely on a chemical interaction taking place in the soil between the base nutrition ingredients used, with naturally occurring soil micro-organisms. While we look to natural sources for new product technologies, we focus on unlocking nature’s secrets to plant care and use that knowledge to complement modern management practices by improving their effectiveness or making them more sustainable. AquaVita technology helps to unlock and harness some of those naturally occurring mechanisms to improve plant nutrition and health.

Does that imply unnatural alteration of the soil interface?

No. We are not manipulating the genetics of organisms or plants, either in the lab or in the field. Instead, we are focusing on those agents that are already at work, the thousands and thousands of molecular-level triggers that may lead to certain positive responses in plants or soil microbial communities.

What are the specific benefits of this technology within the product Attain?

Attain uses the AquaVita technology to maximise the benefit of existing nutritional elements and supports consistent and sustainable root growth. It promotes optimal plant and soil health for all turf types. Minimal nutritional inputs are used in conjunction with the AquaVita technology component of the product to extend longevity. Water management programmes are complemented with the addition of an Aquatrols highly trusted wetting agent.

What scientific basis exists to support this approach?

A recent literature review by the US Biostimulant Coalition cited nearly 150 peer-reviewed journal articles of work done on biostimulant approaches. A report sponsored by the European Commission cited nearly 100 scholarly articles. New, more sophisticated molecular tools (many coming from human health and pharmaceutical industries) along with the super-computing power to drive bioinformatics analysis, are bringing the analysis of complex ecologies within reach. Our independent trials work with STRI and other global research organisations have shown a practical benefit in both bentgrass and ryegrass turf situations compared with untreated and previous market standards.