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Abstract
Research was conducted at a golf course in Johns Creek, GA in March to August 2017 to evaluate short-term effects of wetting agents, plant growth regulators, and Trichoderma atroviride on microbial abundance and function using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, phosphatase, urease, and soil respiration assays. In the putting green, bacteria and AOB exhibited sensitivity to wetting agents and T. atroviride, and urease activity was stimulated by the Cascade Plus and Duplex. In the fairway, bacteria exhibited transient proliferation to PrimoMaxx, and urease activity was depressed by Cutless MEC. Phosphatase activity was unaffected by treatments. Soil respiration indicated transient microbial responses to treatments. Laboratory research was performed to observe soil temperature and moisture effects on T. atroviride over 57 d. Growth rates were comparable among temperatures, but negatively correlated with soil moisture. T. atroviride may be most suited to establish itself in soil when applied in early to late spring in Georgia.