Marginal Gain

A small increase in an outcome which is obtained from an additional input or inputs. In turf management, marginal gains are often described as an increase in a qualitative feature, such a visual appearance, typically following the application of a fertiliser, biostimulants, or growth regulator. Whilst small (~5%) qualitative gains might be seen as beneficial to high end surfaces and clubs, the value to the majority of surfaces and clubs is negligible, with minimal discernible impact on playing performance or benefit to a player in general. Marginal gains, which are of diminishing returns, can often be used as part of marketing literature to sell a product, but with little consideration given to justifying the cost-effectiveness or value for money gained from the input/s.

The marginal gain from a product will often be evidenced from limited research; it is the interpretation and justification of benefits, preferably of a longer-term nature, which need to be weighed up to determine if the purchase expense and time involved in application, and need for repeated applications, provide a cost-effective outcome.

Products which provide a marginal gain are ideal candidates for the zero-based budgeting approach.