Layering of thatch and top dressing can seriously interrupt downward movement of water and resrict root development
infiltration can remove it, thereby causing surface ponding. Such areas will require specific attention or even reconstruction may be necessary to refashion the contours.
• If the area being investigated is a fairway, carefully excavate a hole to a depth of 450 - 600mm to observe the different layers or horizons in the soil profile. If the problematic area is a green or tee and is of a perched water table construction similar to a USGA recommended system, excavation only needs to be to the depth of the sub-base. Take a note of even small layers if the texture or structure is distinctly different from surrounding soil. Note the depth of the thatch layer, presence of black layer, and any obvious changes in soil colour, organic matter content, or moisture retention. Identify if there are distinct layers of topdressing, either separated by thatch, or as obvious changes in material selection.
• If a layer within the soil appears to interfere with water movement, take a core, using a hole-cutter, and, with the offending layer in the middle of the plug, add water to the top of the soil and observe its movement. See if the downward movement of the water is interrupted by the layer and if it moves across the top of it.
• Observe the root growth patterns for any indications of restricted rooting deeper in the profile. Abrupt impedance to rooting at depth will reveal a zone of compaction or a distinct change in soil texture. If rooting is hindered throughout the whole profile and not just at a zone in the profile, the problem will likely be caused by a compacted layer at the surface, either as a thin layer
Days OFF!
Dug profiles can reveal all sorts of problems
or several centimetres in thickness. The surface layer may consist of compacted mineral soil or a compacted humus-rich soil in which organic matter is blocking the pores between the particles. Alternatively, hindered rooting throughout the whole profile could indicate that the rootzone mixture is an excessively fine-textured soil.
• To confirm a zone of compacted soil at depth in the profile, slowly insert a long, pointed steel probe of about pencil-size diameter into the soil when it has been thoroughly wetted, such as after prolonged rain. Note whether any zone of high resistance can be felt as the probe is inserted. Any suspect zones can be checked to see if roots penetrate them or water perches above them.
• If it is thought that a high water table is the primary problem, rather than a drainage barrier that creates a perched water table within the soil, further excavate the hole to at least 800 mm and monitor the depth of the free water table over a three- to four-day period. A high water table will normally remain relatively static, whereas if it is a perched water table, the deep hole should drain it and allow a rapid lowering of the water.
• If identification of the problems is not easy, check with someone who has experience in soil physics. Sometimes, proper identification of the primary problem can be difficult because secondary or tertiary problems mask the most significant symptoms. For example, black layer is a symptom of an anaerobic soil environment but the anaerobiosis can stem from a number of causes and accurate diagnosis is vital if the problem is to be corrected.
Black Layer
Some common problems that are either unidentified or incorrectly diagnosed are those that result in water ponding on the surface of a green. Basically, ponding occurs where the infiltration and percolation rates of a soil are insufficient to cope with the quantity or rate of precipitation arriving on the surface. It sounds simple but can be much more complex than it first seems. A relatively thin surface layer of compacted soil or excessive organic content can cause the symptom; a fine textured rootzone material to depth can also display similar symptoms; an impervious layer within the profile can interrupt downward flow; or excessive extraneous water flowing from adjacent ground can also display the same signs. The faults are all different and require different treatments. Failure to correctly diagnose the problem can result in inappropriate treatment and, unfortunately, may further aggravate the deficiency. For example, if it is assumed that the cause of the problem is a fine textured rootzone material compacted to depth; deep cultivation with a Vertidrain may be an appropriate treatment. However, if, in fact, it is merely a compacted layer at the surface which is causing the problem, deep cultivation would be inappropriate. Indeed, it might even create an additional problem of compaction at depth if executed when the soil is in an unsuitable state, i.e. when wet and susceptible to structural damage. Thorough investigation and accurate diagnosis of a condition are the first and most important stages in determining appropriate methods and a sequence of cultivation techniques. An applicable maxim is, ‘Knowing the problem is 90% of solving the problem’.
... or what Pitchcare contributors get up to out of office hours
JAMES MEAD, the newly appointed Head Groundsman at Rugby School - I have been involved in the sports turf industry since leaving school in 1972. I served a five-year apprenticeship as a craftsman gardener with Birmingham City Council at Kings Heath Park Horticultural Training School. Also there at the same time was Pitchcare’s Editor, Laurence Gale but, despite this early setback, I was still keen to continue in the profession! I have always treated my job as a hobby; every day is a day off!! Living on the job often means that I find myself working additional hours ensuring that the school grounds are looking their best. With two teenage children I seem to spend most of my spare time ferrying them to various activities in
around the Midlands. My son plays county cricket and hockey, so many weekends are taken up watching and supporting him. I’m a life long Birmingham City supporter, and I try to watch them at every opportunity, however it can be depressing at times. I enjoy listening to live music and have been to the Glastonbury Festival on several occasions. Keeping fit is another passion of mine, I swim and play cricket (not at the same time!), and I cycle in to work every day. However, I’m still settling in to my new post here at Rugby, so any spare hours will be dedicated to raising the standards to establish rugby school as a leading sports venue in the UK.
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