Key Terms Explained

Understand important terms and concepts related to products and technology.

ACT®L-Form Amino Acids: Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen are key building blocks in all plant life. Contains freshwater algae.
Aerobic BacteriaBacteria that can grow and live only when oxygen is present.
Amino AcidsAmino acid fertilizers are readily absorbed, transported, and used as a source of nitrogen and carbon for plants.
AntioxidantAn additive known to attach to—and shut down—free radicals.
ATPATP (adenosine triphosphate) allows plant cells to conserve and use the energy released in metabolism.
Bio-DegradationBreakdown of materials by microorganisms or other biological activity.
BrixEnhanced natural sugar production (BRIX) promotes stronger stem and leaf and deeper root growth.
Chelation ReactionsPrevents and/or reduces nutrients being tied up in the soil.
ChlorophyllA natural compound present in green plants that gives them their color. It helps plants to absorb energy from the sun as they undergo the process of photosynthesis.
CopperChlorophyll production, photosynthesis, and respiration in plants.
Dissolved OxygenUse of an enzyme system called H₂O-dehydrogenase (HDH) to effectively split the water molecule, releasing elemental oxygen and nitrogen within the soil.
IronCritical to respiration and photosynthesis in all plants.
MagnesiumMagnesium is required for photosynthesis in plants. Without magnesium, chlorophyll cannot capture sun energy needed for photosynthesis. In short, magnesium is required to give turf its green color.
ManganeseNitrogen use and chlorophyll production.
Microbe FoodTo grow and multiply, good aerobic bacteria require food (nutrients), water, proper temperature, time, air, proper acidity (pH), and proper salt levels.
MolybdenumRequired by enzymes involved with nitrogen conversion and reduction as well as symbiotic nitrogen fixation.
NitrogenProvides plants the energy to grow. Part of the chlorophyll molecule, which gives plants their green color. Involved in photosynthesis, which creates food for plants.
Nucleic AcidsThe main information-carrying molecules of the cell, and, by directing the process of protein synthesis, they determine the inherited characteristics of every living thing.
Phenolic AcidsThe main polyphenols are made by plants. These compounds have diverse functions and are immensely important in plant-microbe interactions/symbiosis.
PhloemThe vascular tissue in plants that conducts sugars and other metabolic products downward from the leaves.
PhosphorusPromotes energy production in living plants.
PhotosynthesisA chemical process that uses sunlight to turn carbon dioxide into sugars. The sugars are used as energy and to build other kinds of molecules.
Plant Enzyme ActivityEnzymes are the tools that soil microbes use to make nutrients available for microbial and plant uptake.
Polysaccharide ProductionPolysaccharides in soil contribute to soil aggregate stabilization.
PotassiumDirects nitrogen use and water use in plants.
Salt BufferingChelates buffer and combine with salt, making it soluble to leach away from the root zone.
SilicaReduces oxidative stress and enhances plant cellular integrity.
Stimp RatingThe stimp rating of a putting green is a numerical value that represents how fast the golf ball rolls on the putting surface. Golfers call this rating the green speed.
SulfurUsed in the formation of amino acids, proteins, and oils. It is necessary for chlorophyll formation.
Surface TensionThe attraction of water molecules to other water molecules is what inhibits water from penetrating a small pore.
SurfactantReduces the surface tension of water, allowing it to flow freely.
UVUltraviolet (UV) wavelengths can reduce plant genome stability, growth, and productivity by damaging the plant’s DNA.
Wetting AgentCoats soil particles on the molecular level so water can penetrate.
XylemThe vascular tissue in plants that conducts water and dissolved nutrients upward from the root and also helps to form the woody element in the stem.
ZincHormone production and internode elongation.