Foliars+ 555 Soil Program

A Carbon-Based Soil Program for Sodium, Bicarbonate and Soil Biology Management

Healthy turf begins below the surface. Even well-managed golf course soils gradually accumulate sodium and bicarbonates from irrigation water, fertilizers, and natural soil chemistry. As these compounds build up they can restrict water movement, reduce nutrient efficiency, contribute to localized dry spot, and increase plant stress.

The EarthWorks Foliars+ 555 Soil Program was developed to help superintendents proactively manage these conditions through Biological Soil Management. Applied every two weeks as a light rinse-in, the program combines carbon, potassium, beneficial biology and humic substances to support healthier soils, stronger root systems and more resilient turf.

Unlike programs that rely on repeated heavy flushing, the 555 Soil Program works with your soil by improving biological activity while helping manage sodium accumulation and bicarbonate levels over time.

Why Sodium and Bicarbonates Become a Problem

Every irrigation source contains dissolved salts. Over time, sodium and bicarbonates can accumulate in the soil profile where they begin affecting both soil structure and plant performance.

Common symptoms include:

  • Localized Dry Spot
  • Reduced water infiltration
  • Poor rooting
  • Increased wilt during heat stress
  • Reduced nutrient availability
  • Hard, tight soils
  • Uneven turf quality

Routine soil management helps prevent these issues before they begin affecting playability.

Benefits

  • Helps manage sodium accumulation
  • Helps reduce bicarbonate-related stress
  • Supports beneficial soil biology
  • Encourages stronger rooting
  • Improves soil conditioning
  • Helps maintain consistent moisture movement
  • Supports healthier turf through Biological Soil Management
  • Simple three-product program
  • Easy biweekly application schedule

Application Program

Apply every 14 days as a light soil rinse.

Application Rates

Kick: 5 oz / 1,000 sq ft

KVantage: 5 oz / 1,000 sq ft

BioVantage: 5 oz / 1,000 sq ft

Use approximately two gallons of water per 1,000 square feet. The program is designed as a rinse-in, not a deep flush, and fits well after periodic flushing events.

How the 555 Soil Program Works

The EarthWorks 555 Soil Program combines three complementary technologies that address soil chemistry and biology together.

Kick
5oz/1000

A concentrated humic and fulvic acid package that improves soil conditioning while supporting microbial activity. Kick helps loosen tight soils, improve root development and provides the carbon foundation that feeds beneficial biology.

KVantage
5oz/1000

Powered by EarthWorks Eco-Adaptive Technology™, KVantage delivers available potassium while helping the plant compete against sodium uptake. Potassium supports stronger plant function while reducing sodium-induced stress.

BioVantage
5oz/1000

BioVantage combines carbon nutrition with multiple strains of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR). These beneficial microbes help stimulate biological activity and improve the soil's ability to digest organic matter.

555 Soil Program FAQ

What is the EarthWorks 555 Soil Program?

The 555 Soil Program is a biweekly soil management program combining Kick, KVantage and BioVantage to support soil biology while helping manage sodium and bicarbonate buildup.

Why is sodium a problem in golf course soils?

Sodium can displace beneficial nutrients on soil exchange sites, contribute to poor soil structure, reduce infiltration, and increase drought stress.

What do bicarbonates do?

High bicarbonate levels can raise soil pH, tie up nutrients and contribute to soil sealing and poor water movement.

How often should the 555 Program be applied?

EarthWorks recommends applications every two weeks as a light rinse-in program.

Is this a foliar spray?

No. Although the products are applied through a sprayer, the 555 Program is designed as a soil application and should be rinsed into the soil profile.

How much water should be used?

Approximately two gallons of water per 1,000 square feet provides enough carrier to move the products into the soil without excessive flushing.

Can the 555 Program replace deep flushing?

No. Heavy flushing may still be necessary depending on water quality. The 555 Program complements those events by helping maintain soil conditions between flushes.

What makes the EarthWorks approach different?

Rather than focusing only on soil chemistry, the EarthWorks program combines carbon, beneficial biology, humic substances and potassium to support long-term Biological Soil Management.