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Rhizomes To The Rescue | Brochure |
A rhizome (from Greek, meaning root-stalk) is a horizontal plant stem, most often found underground. Rhizomes are valued because they send out new roots and shoots, allowing new plants to propagate at a distance from the original plant.
More than 10 years ago, Barenbrug turf scientists developed a superior tall fescue variety with rhizome-rich plants. We call it Rhizomatous Tall Fescue, or RTF.
The technology behind Turf Saver RTF is protected with a US patent. Its value over traditional tall fescue varieties is substantial, Turf Saver RTF:
- Repairs itself. Turf Saver’s rhizome roots fill in bare spots in a thinning lawn
- Produces a thick, even, lush, soft-to-the-touch turf
- Promotes deep-rooting plants, with great tolerance to heat and dry conditions
- Saves on over-seeding costs of damaged turf
- Saves on irrigation equipment and water bills
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The images to the left show a fresh cut through Turf Saver RTF and the re-growth in less than a year! |
RTF Sod grown at Valley Sod Farm in Los Angeles, California.
Beware of imitators!
Others Promise Rhizomatous Activity – Only Turf Saver RTF Delivers Rhizomes
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Since that breakthrough discovery, Barenbrug Research has released a number of other rhizomatous tall fescue varieties and new varieties are continuously being developed. Because of Turf Saver RTF’s effectiveness and popularity, other seed companies have tried to imitate Barenbrug’s products. While some may advertise rhizomatous varieties, university and independent testing has proven conclusively that Turf Saver RTF is a cut above the competition. At the University of Illinois and in other studies, it became clear that Barenbrug RTF varieties are the only ones to exhibit significant rhizomes and rhizomatous activity. The graph to the right (Figure 1) shows the difference researchers found between Turf Saver RTF and others. The rhizomatous index was derived by multiplying the number of rhizomes times the percentage of plants with rhizomes and the rhizome length. |
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More Conclusive Evidence Of Turf Saver RTF’s Superiority
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The University of Illinois conducted another independent study on the formation of rhizomes in Barenbrug’s RTF variety Labarinth, compared to other tall fescue varieties claiming that capability. (See Figure 2) Their conclusion was the same as the first study. Nothing comes close to the rhizome production capabilities of Barenbrug’s Turf Saver RTF. Barenbrug’s newest variety Bar FA 7676 was not part of this research study, but it has since proved to be more productive in rhizome formation than the Labarinth variety cited here. |
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Turf Saver RTF Is Thrifty On Resources
New Mexico State University Tests Turf Saver RTF on Water Rations
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Turf grass typically loves water. But with conservation measures being enacted across the globe, it should be noted that Turf Saver RTF thrives on less! New Mexico State University observed how cool season grasses (like tall fescue) would maintain turf quality under drought conditions. Turf grasses were evaluated after reducing water by 15% and 30%, way below what is considered ideal to maintain quality. Turf Saver RTF performed better than any other cool season grass – during the hottest months of the year! (See charts at right) Turf Saver RTF also performed better than Kentucky and Texas bluegrass, perennial ryegrass and other tall fescues highly ranked by the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program. The two graphs to the right illustrate how the entries maintained turf quality with 15% and 30% less daily water in June, July, August and September.
Turf Saver RTF planted around the collar of a sand trap at a Golf Course in Kentucky. |
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Greater Root Depth Means Better Heat Tolerance
Turf Saver RTF Digs Deep, Looks Healthy and Feels Great
Tall fescue is more drought tolerant than most other species due to its deep roots. Turf Saver RTF is one of the deepest rooting grass available; roots travel down to six feet – tapping into water not normally available. Beyond its characteristics of lush, even growth and selfrepair, Barenbrug’s Turf Saver RTF also features a leaf texture distinct from normal tall fescue varieties. Turf Saver RTF plants are much softer to the touch, gentle even on bare feet.
Turf Saver RTF planted at a home yard in Kansas.
What Others Say About Turf Saver RTF
Parks, Sports Arenas, Golf Courses and Lawn Care Professionals Agree
Turf Saver RTF has garnered more than a decade worth of customer testimonials, owners and managers happy with the performance and savings they’ve experienced with Turf Saver RTF. For example:
- Turf Saver RTF was chosen for the Ryder Cup tournament in 2008, on the Valhalla golf course.
- Turf Saver RTF was the variety of choice for Chicago’s famous downtown Butler Field.
- Over 40 sod producers in USA and Canada grow RTF. These professionals know what quality turf is and choose RTF as their premium turf.
Quick Summary: Benefits Of Turf Saver RTFSelf repairing turf
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Strong deep root system
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Saves 30% water
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Great for sun and shade areas
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Proven time and time again worldwide
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Excellent disease and insect resistance
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Produces a very soft, lush, thick lawn
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Available in sod and seed