the bedknives relative to the reel influenced the aggressiveness of cut. The distance of the front roller from the cutting unit as determined by groomer design, also seems to have an influence on scalping. Howieson & Christian’s (2001) examination of mower settings emphasises the importance of appropriate reel to bedknife adjustment. Least injury (shredding and browning), highest visual quality and chlorophyll content was found from the mower maintained with slight reel to bedknife contact for the duration of the trial. The poorest results were found from the mower that was left with slightly “dull” setup and without any contact between bedknife and reel. Rossi & Thurn observed that
fixed head units came out of adjustment sooner than flex or floating units. Carson (2007) also suggests that bedknife thickness influences turf quality. He found that thick bedknives produced the lowest turf colour ratings, although the research was deemed non- conclusive. Quite recent research, by the
To advertise in this section contact Classifieds
Peter Britton on 01747 855335 email:
peter@pitchcare.com
DRAINAGE
• Use pedestrian mowers instead of triplex mowers. Whilst there is no hard research evidence to support the difference upon turf quality of the two types of mower, the lighter option should reduce tissue damage. The action of triplex mowers on perimeters can be quite damaging and is sufficient reason to mow with pedestrian cylinder mowers
• Empty grass collectors before mowing each green and each perimeter to reduce downward force
STRI for Bernhards & Co. Ltd., has confirmed the importance of sharp, correctly set-up mowing equipment, not only in terms of quality of cut and presentation, but also reducing the stress on turf and decreasing the risk of disease incidence etc.
De-s stressing the turf
Under environmentally induced stress situations of heat, disease or shade, adjustment of mowing practice to turf surfaces that may already be below optimum cutting height range, becomes crucial. It is one of the first means of alleviating the stress and promotion of recovery. Typically adjustments to stressed, short cut turf involve the following:
• Postpone mowing for a number of days to arrest decline and until turf health improves. Resume mowing at a higher height
• Raise the mowing height. Simple adjustment of mowing height upwards by 0.38mm from 3.2mm to 3.6mm alleviated anthracnose disease significantly. The shorter the mowing height, the less leaf area that remains to gather light and perform photosynthesis
• Delay mowing until surfaces are free of surface water. Scalping is possible if mowers sink into soft, wet turf
• Skip mowing once or twice per week. In doing so, frequency of cut shall be mindful of the one third rule, which removes no more than one third vertical growth per cut
• Stop double cutting. Whilst recent research into anthracnose disease management would suggest double cutting to maintain ball speed, at a higher height of cut, significantly reduced this disease stress, earlier findings suggest avoiding this practice
• Maintain well adjusted mowers to reduce wounding. Wounds offer a further entry point for disease and reduce the leaf chlorophyll content
• Deploy the lightest pedestrian mowers possible
• Reduce mowing frequency to perimeters
• Reduce mowing speed to perimeters
• Stop verticutting (and possibly grooming). Whilst not mowing in the truest sense, verticutting is a form of defoliation. Recent research into cultural influences upon anthracnose disease occurrence indicates that, once verticutting is limited to the leaf and not the crown, there is no negative effect on disease incidence. In a stressed environment, however, it would seem sensible to stop verticutting altogether to maximise leaf area
The adjustment practices above have largely been driven, in the last decade or so, by research into anthracnose disease control to putting surfaces. Stressing turf through mowing practices has been observed at potentially harsh coastal golf course environments, noted for their slower growing conditions. The reduction in mechanical stress, especially through mowing, has found particular favour in the gradual promotion of fescue in such environments.
surfaces, the value of replacing grooved or spiral front rollers with solid front rollers has been notable on the perimeters of tees and fairways, where mowing of non- straight lines may otherwise see stressed turf. In difficult sports environments,
In situations other than fine turf GOLF COURSE SUPPLIES
From Tools & Turfcare to Markers & Maintenance Quality Course Signage & Personalised Club Supplies
the effect of the mower in relieving turf stress is also recognised. Who would ever have envisaged in recent years the incorporation of lightweight pedestrian rotary mowers within the mowing regime? Such mowers have come to dominate general mowing practice at some sites in the UK and Ireland. They have the added advantage of ensuring a more upright plant and removal of thatch forming debris. Importantly, they offer a lighter weight option to heavier cylinder mowers where the potential to surface smear is greater.
Adjustment of the mowing practice can overcome a sometimes disastrous situation, and allow better sleep at night!
Oakland Amenity Tel: 07810 883 434
Golf Course Supplies Dedicated to Scotland & The North of England
www.oaklandamenity.co.uk
Advertising in this classified section costs as little as £200 a year for a single column x 4cm Telephone: 01747 855335 for further information
REUSABLE, RECYCLED AND SURPLUS IRRIGATION AND CONTROL EQUIPMENT
Good quality irrigation, control & pumping equipment always wanted
Buy products and spare parts on-line Collection and delivery available
Visit our web site
www.recontrol.co.uk 07929 741618
119 IRRIGATION SPECIALISTS
DESIGN & SUPPLY INSTALLATION MAINTENANCE
Tel.01722 716361
www.mjabbott.co.uk
Green Infrastructure specialises in carbohydrate and natural mineral products to provide a whole soil management approach to managing sports surfaces
30 Connaught Street, Kettering NN16 8NU
Office: 0845 5191 586 Mobile: 07780 580379
greeninfrastructureco@gmail.com www.green-infrastructure-ltd.co.uk
Trimax PegasusS2 Tractor not included ...
... but everything you need for years of superb mowing is!
A range of quality traditional gang mowers at an affordable price offering outstanding value
Tel: 01296 738197 Email:
sales@rtmachinery.co.uk Website:
www.rtmachinery.co.uk
GRASS CUTTING MACHINERY FLAIL MOWERS
SPORTS TURF DRAINAGE AND CONSTRUCTION
NATIONWIDE SERVICE
www.turfdry.com
Contact: Melvyn Taylor
Office: 01283 551417 Mobile: 07836 259133 Email:
melvyn@turfdry.com
FERTILISERS
MAJOR EQUIPMENT LTD Tel: 01524 850501
WWW.MAJOR-EQUIPMENT.COM
Tel: 01933 652235
info@trimaxmowers.co.uk www.trimaxmowers.com
IRRIGATION
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