Michael Stangl, 2024 Ontario Turfgrass Symposium
Regenerative lawn care is an approach to maintaining lawns that focuses on creating and sustaining healthy, resilient, and biodiverse ecosystems. It goes beyond traditional lawn care methods by emphasizing practices that restore and regenerate soil health, enhance biodiversity, and reduce the need for inputs like fertilizers and pesticides. I have done a deep dive into the ecological and biological aspects of soil management, driven by the adverse effects observed from conventional fertilizer and spray programs such as toxicity and soil degradation.
My philosophy of regenerative lawn care is about building resilience, health, and security by improving soil structure, enhancing microbial diversity, and reducing inputs. There are some unintended consequences of traditional lawn care practices, including soil compaction, loss of organic matter, and disruption of the natural soil microbiome. By including the role of microbial life in the soil, we can find a stable balance of soilborne bacteria and fungi that counteract these issues, leading to healthier, more resilient lawns that contribute positively to the environment.
We focus on the significance of a balanced microbial ecosystem and the detrimental impact of nitrogen-heavy fertilizers on soil biology. We use a fungal-dominated compost to create a potent extract we’ve called “Nature’s Brew.” This approach not only revitalizes the soil but also enhances plant health and reduces the need for chemical treatments. We have seen effectiveness in the field by conducting soil health assessments and have seen the positive impacts with our own eyes. Theoretically this could also improve carbon sequestration in treated lawns.
Plants can harness soilborne microbes to get nutrients, a process called the “rhizophagy cycle”, and this can be exploited to boost growth and outcompete weeds. This cycle, crucial for nutrient exchange and plant health, relies on a complex soil ecosystem which can be disturbed using pesticides that kill both good and bad organisms. Regenerative practices are grounded in a deep understanding of ecological succession, the soil food web, and the need for a systems-thinking approach to lawn management.
The practical aspects of regenerative lawn care are not just theoretical ideals but are backed by real-world results. Through a mix of personal anecdotes, scientific research, and case studies, we have developed a strategy for transitioning from conventional to regenerative practices. Regenerative lawn care includes the use of microbial-rich composts, targeted mineral additions, and a commitment to understanding the unique biological needs of each lawn.
In the dynamic realm of regenerative lawn care and sustainable landscaping, Michael Stangl stands as a seasoned visionary with over 43 years of unwavering dedication. His journey commenced in 1981 when, at the young age of 16, he co-founded Stangl’s Lawn Spray, setting the stage for a remarkable career.
With a relentless thirst for horticultural knowledge, Michael pursued a year of Horticulture at Niagara College in 1985. In 1986, he furthered his expertise by attending the 17th Annual Turf Managers Course at Guelph University, a pivotal moment in his educational journey. However, Michael’s quest for innovation didn’t stop there. He embarked on a remarkable journey of exploration, delving into organic, natural, and chemical approaches to lawn care. This extensive research and experimentation culminated in his pioneering work in regenerative lawn care. In 2014, driven by a global perspective, he earned a Sustainable Ag Certificate from renowned experts Graeme Sait and Joel Williams from NTS Australia in Guelph. His global quest for knowledge continued with immersive courses, including Dr. Elaine Ingham’s Soil Food Web Course and Microscope Intensive Course at Farming Secrets Australia in 2014 and 2015, respectively.
Michael’s expertise isn’t confined to scholarship; he’s also a captivating storyteller and educator. He’s graced prestigious events, such as the Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario’s DIGGING DEEPER – ONline event in 2021 and the 2023 February Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario – Composting, Biosolids, and Organic Amendments – London ON. Throughout his career, Michael garnered accolades and recognition, including the Niagara This Week’s Readers’ Choice Diamond and Platinum Awards in 2021 and 2022, respectively. In 2023, his unwavering commitment to excellence was once again acknowledged when he received the Niagara This Week’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Diamond Award. Today, Michael Stangl stands as a luminary in the field of regenerative lawn care, armed with decades of wisdom and a vision for a greener, more sustainable world. Join him at the 33rd Annual Ontario Turfgrass Symposium to embark on a journey into the frontier of regenerative landscaping.