Why Use COMAND Dirt?

COMAND is derived from a carefully controlled thermophilic decomposition process, which utilizes a proprietary inoculum to stabilize and mineralize organic materials, turning them into a superior humus product. To enhance the product further and focus on maximizing beneficial microbes, COMAND is further boosted through secondary inoculation with mesophilic microbiology. COMAND provides a superior replacement for peat in a rootzone mix and far exceeds the highest standards for a rootzone amendment. It provides stabilized organic matter, excellent water-holding capabilities, and dynamic microbial populations. Furthermore, it has a Carbon: Nitrogen (C: N) ratio of 10:1. Why is the C: N ratio important?
The C: N ratio of soil is a measure of the intimate relationship between organic matter (carbon) and nitrogen content and most healthy productive soils typically have a C: N ratio of 10:1. Therefore, COMAND matches this critical ratio (10: 1), which is a reflection of the dynamic equilibrium that results from the dominating presence of strong microbial populations, the ratio being similar to the average chemical composition of microbial cells.
The C: N ratio in soil organic matter is important for two major reasons:
i. Keen competition for available nitrogen results when organic residues of high C: N ratio are added to soils (peat is typically 58:1) and ii. Because this C: N (10: 1) is relatively constant in soils, the maintenance of carbon and hence soil organic matter is dependent to no small degree on the level of soil nitrogen. In essence, the C: N ratio obviously has practical implications on the availability of nitrogen in soils as well as in plants. Adding organic materials with a high C: N ratio (20:1 or higher) results in increasing populations of heterotrophic microorganisms and production of C0 2. Under these conditions, nitrate nitrogen (NO 3 -N) disappears from the soil because of the urgent needs by the microorganisms. Since carbon and nitrogen are reduced to almost a definite ratio, the amount of soil nitrogen largely determines the amount of organic carbon present when stabilization occurs. Thus, the greater the amount of nitrogen present in the original organic material, the greater will be the possibility of an accumulation of organically bound carbon.
The importance of stable humus directly relates to the fertility it provides to soils in both a physical and chemical sense, while some agronomic experts put a greater focus on other features of it, such as its ability to suppress disease. COMAND is carefully prepared to optimize the physical, chemical and biological functions of the soil. It helps the soil retain moisture by increasing microporosity, and encourages the formation of good soil structure. The incorporation of oxygen into large organic molecular assemblages generates many active, negatively charged sites that bind to positively charged ions (cations) of plant nutrients, making them more available to the plant by way of ion exchange. COMAND contains effective humus and stable humus, both are additional sources of nutrients for microbes: the former provides a readily available supply and the latter acts as a longeval storage reservoir. COMAND allows soil organisms to feed and reproduce and is the “life-force”; of the
soil.

How Does COMAND Dirt Differ from Biochar?

Biochar is typically derived from woody biomass, which is thermally decomposed in the absence of oxygen (to prevent combustion) and results in a charcoal product. Biochar adds carbon to the soil, which stays around for decades. However, this type of carbon is not biologically available and does not fuel the all-important replication of soil bacteria and fungi, which need biologically available carbon (humus) to thrive. Hence, biochar producers and suppliers have selected to blend their products with compost. Biochar, being microporous, does provide good accommodation for microorganisms and is effective at holding on to water and nutrients (good CEC). On the other hand, because of its high adsorption capacity, biochar may reduce the efficacy of soil applied chemicals needed for weed and pest control. More research into the long-term effects of biochar addition to soil is needed. The creation of Biochar is a relatively expensive process and costs can therefore restrict application rates. Typical recommended application rates are 35 lbs per 1,000 square feet for straight biochar and 60 to 80 lbs per 1,000 for those blended 50:50 with compost. Are these rates sufficient to change the soil profile and make an agronomic difference?
COMAND, when utilized in a construction mix, has a price point comparable to, or below, sphagnum peat and can be utilized as a direct replacement. Therefore, a traditional 85:15 sand/amendment ratio can be employed with all the additional benefits that COMAND provides.
In summary, biochar improves water holding capacity and increases the cation-exchange capacity of soils. COMAND also provides these important benefits. Biochar is best utilized in conjunction with compost as biochar does not provide biologically available carbon. COMAND provides the highest quality humus, fueling and supplying beneficial microbial populations.

Comand Dirt Is A One-of-a-Kind Soil Amendment

COMAND has been widely utilized on hundreds of golf courses and sports fields across the USA. It is produced here in the State and is extremely popular with turf professionals, particularly as it has shown to be capable of resolving some of the toughest issues – hydrophobic soils, nematode pressures, excessive Thatch, weak areas. It is reasonably priced, which means you can use application rates that make a meaningful difference, and man does it grow grass! Lots of lateral growth and a dense canopy. Other benefits include, increased CEC, pH buffering, reduced compaction, better drainage, increased root length and density, retention of plant available water, and the introduction of beneficial soil microbes.