Remember that biology class way back when? What do all plants need? Air, water, sunlight, soil and food.
When managing performance grass (defined as grass mowed and rolled daily at 1/8", with over 50,000 foot prints annually and puts up with extended periods of 90 degree heat in full sun) golf course turf needs particular care. Our process for aerification on the golf course makes golf possible and enjoyable. In fact we have tweaked it so much we are seeing improved conditions each year and we don't plan on slowing down with this trend.
Pictured here is our new deep tine aerifier. This machine will be creating 3/4" diameter channels 8" deep into all of the greens this spring. This totals to 1.4 million channels in the putting surfaces. These channels allow air and water to enter the root zone for plant development. When the channels are filled, we use a course sand (soil) to allow water, air and nutrients to percolate through the profile for plant uptake. Sunlight is required for photosynthesis, this is why grass under trees or along buildings is weaker, when it is shaded from the sun. Finally, food comes in many sources. Most notably this is fertilizer. We have had a lot of success with organic compost providing more natural sources to plants. Other biological stimulants and growth regulators can be considered advanced formulas of food as they all enhance the plant and playability.
Remember that drainage system that went into the greens a number of years ago? Aerifying this deep allows that system to work better. How? These greens, much like any golf course this old, was built with native soil. The amount of clay in the native soil is not ideal for putting surfaces. Having the ability to remove older soil allows for us to improve the soil structure.
Here are the greatest benefits to our new approach to aerification over the last two years:
1. Better playing conditions (this is why you love playing Pinehurst!)
2. Every year we are seeing/playing on more bentgrass. (Bentgrass greens are possible in Colorado, it putts better and handles stress better.)
3. Healthy conditions. (Fungicide applications have been cut in half since 2011, we have roots so deep they are coming out of the bottom of cup cutters)
4. Efficient watering practice. (When was the last time you had mud on your ball)
This really comes down to basics of plant health and soil management. Great playing conditions comes down the road soon after the basics are accomplished. This sets us up for a great season to face all of the stresses Mother Nature and golfers send our way.
Comments
Post a Comment