The other mention of molasses reminded me I need to play with some soon. Are we better off trying to spray through a PG Ultra or putting down dry. One is for organic applications the other is trying to build back beneficial microbes that have been killed off due to past fungicide use. Am I best off at the local farm store or would Lesco be able to get something quality?
Molasses spraying
shovelracer
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The other mention of molasses reminded me I need to play with some soon. Are we better off trying to spray through a PG Ultra or putting down dry. One is for organic applications the other is trying to build back beneficial microbes that have been killed off due to past fungicide use. Am I best off at the local farm store or would Lesco be able to get something quality?
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Sent you a PM.
Molasses is a food source for bacteria, it will do little to rebuild soil fungus.
Applying a fungal inoculant with humates, kelp and fish would be a better method.
Molasses is a food source for bacteria, it will do little to rebuild soil fungus.
Applying a fungal inoculant with humates, kelp and fish would be a better method.
Not true, Barry. Tim Wilson is the one who told me to use molasses when testing compost and ACT for bacteria and fungi. Maybe it's not the ideal food for fungi, but it will grow it.
Also, I wouldn't try spraying molasses out of a PG ULTRA. Not enough volume and a good chance of gunking up the tips. I would walk it if possible or apply dry.
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I stand corrected, Tim did tell me the same thing. And you're right that there are better food sources to encourage fungal growth. And you are definitely right about not using PG ULTRA for spraying molasses! :clapping:
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I'll be more clear. I have an account that has been brutalized from fungicides and constant lawn bagging. The bagging will unfortunately continue, but I'm looking to build back beneficial bacteria. This lawn the last year or two has become increasing more prone to disease and fungus issues and I contribute it to the earlier. My take based on the limited info I have about organics is that molasses should help.
Any organic fertilizer should help as well. Basically, you're trying to build up the good guys to help fight the bad guys. You don't necessarily need molasses per se, you just need to build up the populations of the good guys. I would do a soil test as well if one hasn't already been done.
I did use molasses to kill nutsedge a few years ago, but I forget the rate. Never tried it on customers properties, but was about to when I left my employer at the time. If you do a search of this forum you may find the rate I used.
Found the post. 16oz per gallon and I mixed with very warm water to break it down. I would try on your own lawn or around your shop before doing on customers lawns.
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Tell us more. How well did it work? Did it work selectively only on nutsedge?
Application techniques?
It worked very well, Barry. Behind the shop, which was probably 50 feet long, there was a large spots of Nutsedge. I waited until it was 3-4 inches long and sprayed with a Stihl backpack sprayer. I used warm water to break down the molasses and did some swaying every few minutes to keep everything mixed. The droplet was a mist, similar to how you spray Sedgehammer. I was only misting the tops of the plant.
It did selectively work on the Nutsedge. Once again, I forget even how the spraying of molasses on Nutsedge came up, I know I tried it and it worked. More testing is definitely needed.
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Interesting....
When you say Stihl Backpack sprayer, are you referring to their mist blower?
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When you say Stihl Backpack sprayer, are you referring to their mist blower?
No, Stihl makes standard pump backpack sprayers as well.
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Natty, I'll have to give it a try. What time of year did you apply?
Was a single application effective? Any ideas as to why this would work?
Was a single application effective? Any ideas as to why this would work?
I applied in mid to late June if I remember correctly. A single application was effective, but we were hot and a little dry at that point.
I did a little internet search and I saw the "Dirt Doctor" recommends this for Nutsedge at a rate of 4-8 oz of molasses per gallon with very little in way of results. They use it more of a soil drench than a foliar spray.
Why does it work? No one seems to know for sure.
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