“more turf managers are facing the challenges that come from decreasing water quality and associated high soil pH”
the bent and fescues at all pH levels. So, does the Acid Theory not work?
And yet Ashworth is of the opposite standpoint; “Different plants need different soil properties. Try to grow heather or rhododendrons on alkali soil and you will struggle. Fine turf grass might be more of a complex issue but the basic fact remains, the pH of a soil can affect the growth of desirable species. Ideally we need the soil at a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 and, if we can achieve this without reverting to caustic chemicals, then it is certainly worth a second look.”
Both Laycock and Ashworth agree on one point at least; regardless of pH values, undesirable species such as the shallow-rooted poa annua will dominate in areas of over watering. It is no surprise that the advent of widespread irrigation has coincided with the increase of many problems in fine turf, Ashworth goes further and makes an interesting observation on the source of irrigation water and the compounded problems that might follow. “With the increasing use of alkaline bore-hole water and effluent water, more turf managers are facing the challenges that come from decreasing water quality and associated high soil pH. High bicarbonate levels in irrigation and soil water locks up essential plant nutrients making them unavailable for plant uptake. High soil pH can encourage pests such as casting worms and create an environment for turf disease.” The over-watering of golf courses in times of water shortages is anathema to all of us involved in the golf industry as is the use of harmful chemicals in the pursuit of excellence. Therefore it would be useful
if a more efficient irrigation system could be coupled with improved environmental practices and more beneficial conditions for fine turf grasses. This is where the manufacturers of the Re- Phlex soil and water conditioning system believe they score highly. The product removes hardened deposits of lime scale that can reduce flow in irrigation pipes and heads without any corrosion worries; it will not harm other valuable irrigation equipment. With such diametrically opposed views on a very emotive topic, the lowering of pH values throughout the soil profile of a golf green (not just the surface) needs to be studied very closely and with expert advice at all stages of the process. Whether such products as
Re-Phlex are miracle cures or simply a useful additive remains to be seen. It would be advisable to keep an open mind at this point and investigate further. Certainly the question of lower pH and fine turf grasses deserves more than a ‘black and white’ answer or a cursory glance. Water preservation, maintenance of valuable equipment, environmental protection and improved turf quality are the claims of the manufacturers. If only partly true it represents a step in the right direction, if entirely true then a big breakthrough has been achieved. Consulting a qualified
agronomist would be a good first step, as would researching the material on the internet; if nothing else it would make for an interesting and educational process.
Email:
info@indiflow.co.uk Web:
www.indiflow.co.uk
8
www.pitchcare.com/re
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