Corn gluten meal (CGM) has long been recognized as an effective organic source for pre-emergent weed control and nitrogen nutrition. However, conventional CGM formulations—whether powdered or extruded—have struggled with inconsistent performance due to poor granule breakdown, uneven spreadability, and the need for high application rates to achieve adequate control. Grass Guard DG was developed to overcome these limitations. Utilizing The Andersons’ patented Dispersing Granule (DG) Technology and an optimized 150 SGN particle size, Grass Guard DG delivers uniform coverage, rapid dispersion upon contact with moisture, and improved efficacy at lower use rates compared to traditional CGM products.
Real Results from University Research
In university greenhouse testing, Grass Guard DG consistently provided higher levels of crabgrass suppression than other Corn Gluten Meal-based products when applied under comparable conditions. In fact, Grass Guard DG achieved 50–66% crabgrass control, while competing corn gluten meal formulations achieved only 16–33% crabgrass control.
Enhanced Efficacy Through DG Technology
Traditional corn gluten meal pre-emergent products can be difficult to spread evenly due to their coarse, fibrous texture and tendency to bridge or clump in standard equipment. Grass Guard DG eliminates those challenges, delivering a uniform, dust-free formulation that flows easily through application equipment. The result is cleaner, more consistent coverage without the application issues commonly associated with standard corn gluten meal products.
Due to their coarse texture, other corn gluten meal pre-emergent products on the market are slow to break down, reducing soil contact and coverage. Grass Guard DG is made with Dispersing Granule (DG) technology which ensures rapid breakdown and uniform distribution, improving soil contact and boosting the pre-emergent performance of corn gluten meal.
Natural, Dual-Action Performance
Formulated with corn gluten meal, Grass Guard DG serves as both a natural weed preventer and a source of organic nitrogen. Corn gluten meal is a byproduct of the wet-milling process of corn, rich in natural proteins and amino acids. These compounds provide a slow, steady release of nitrogen while also creating a biochemical environment that inhibits root formation in germinating seeds. This dual functionality allows corn gluten meal to act as a natural pre-emergent herbicide reducing the establishment of annual weeds such as crabgrass and dandelion before they can compete with desirable turf.
In addition to its pre-emergent properties, the product’s slow-release nitrogen supports steady turf growth, recovery, and color, without the flush often associated with synthetic fertilizers. The result is stronger turf with fewer inputs and a lower environmental footprint.
Proven Natural Control, Elevated by DG Technology
Grass Guard DG delivers measurable results that redefine what’s possible from natural weed control. In recent trials, Grass Guard DG achieved 50–66% crabgrass control, while competing corn gluten meal formulations achieved only 16–33% control—a performance leap made possible by The Andersons patented Dispersing Granule (DG) Technology.
Formulated with high-quality corn gluten meal, Grass Guard DG provides dual-action performance—naturally suppressing annual weeds like crabgrass and dandelion while supplying a steady source of organic nitrogen. Upon irrigation, each DG granule disperses into thousands of microparticles, ensuring uniform soil contact and nutrient availability for more consistent pre-emergent activity.
For turf professionals seeking reliable, sustainable performance without compromise, Grass Guard DG sets a new standard in natural control.
