The Air2G2 aerification machine revolutionizes how turf managers on golf courses, sports fields an at landscape companies think about aerification practices. Air2G2 is the winner of the 2015 Innovation Award from the Sports Turf Managers Association, (STMA). True aerification injects air into the soil profile and the Air2G2 is the only machine on the market today that utilizes air injection technology.
- Relieve compaction
- Increase porosity
- Enhance water drainage
- Force gas exchange
- Encourage microbial activity
- Improve turf health
Accomplish all of this and more with GT Air Inject’s Air2G2 aerifier machine and the Air2HP line of handheld aerification tools.
The Air2G2 uses three probes to inject pressurized air at 6 inches and 12 inches beneath the surface of the soil, fracturing the compacted layers that form as a result of foot traffic, routine maintenance, and natural processes. These lateral air injections loosen up compacted soil immediately, without any disruption to the surface of the turf. The Air2G2 can be used any day and any time, rain or shine, and does not require post aerification cleanup. The turf will be ready to use immediately following aerification!
Most problems concerning turf on sports fields, golf course greens, tee boxes, or athletic playing surfaces can generally be attributed to soil compaction in one way or another. When the spaces between the particles of soil or sand become restricted, the paths for air, water, and nutrients are greatly affected. All plant cells need oxygen to live. Without oxygen, plants cannot perform aerobic respiration (respiration is the process of breaking down food to get energy). The cells in the green parts of the plant (the part of the plant you can see on the surface), where photosynthesis is taking place, get all the oxygen they need from the oxygen produced by photosynthesis. The trick is getting oxygen to the cells down in the roots, where there is no photosynthesis occurring. In most plants, these cells get their oxygen from air in the pore spaces between dirt particles in the soil. When pore space shrinks, there is less air and moisture in the soil, a condition that negatively influences root growth, nutrient uptake, and in reality, all phases of turf growth. This ultimately creates what is called a “Black Layer.” This “Black Layer” is a compacted anaerobic layer of soil. It inhibits root growth and causes the soil to become stagnant. This layer restricts the natural air channels and decreases porosity. When porosity is altered (due to compaction) you still need air to keep the structure of the soil regulating the movement of water, nutrients, and developing roots. Air is a constant need for the plant to survive and to maintain the soil structure to provide for the healthy processes to take place. This compaction isn’t due to just foot traffic and the everyday use of machinery alone, it also occurs as a result of nature itself. Over a short period of time, the soil combines with water, which causes it to tightly fit together. In addition, without good aeration penetration into the soil below the black layer, the roots will not have the oxygen molecules to attach that are necessary in order for them to absorb moisture and healthy nutrients. If roots do not have oxygen, detrimental microbial activity will occur.
The Air2G2 performs exactly in the way that the soil needs it to—three probes go into the ground forcing two injections of air, one at a depth of 6 inches and another at a depth of 12 inches. This causes a fracturing effect of the subsoil as the air works its way back up to the surface. The fissures that the air creates loosens the soil and breaks up the black layer, relieving compaction immediately. The increased porosity of the soil enables the roots to grow deeper, reaching the latent nutrients, which may decrease the amount of fertilizer necessary for healthy turf. The increased positive microbial activity in the soil also alleviates bacteria and fungus in the root zone. Increased root depth and health enhances heat and drought stress tolerance. Therefore, the amount of water used to irrigate the turf may also be reduced.
Although this process may allow the consumer to decrease their budget concerning fertilizer, fungicide, and irrigation, the most innovative aspect of the Air2G2 is the little to no surface disruption. Once the operator has completed aerifying the turf, it is immediately ready for play. This is the biggest financial benefit of using the Air2G2, as facilities need not close or reschedule use of athletic fields or golf courses. You truly can aerify today and play today. For more information visit – http://air2g2.com/. In Canada contact Mark Kelly at Kelly La Solutions.
