Throughout the experiment the Verti- Drain aerated those plots that were not part of the control group
that also called this habitat home. Some of the properties were inherent to the soil (things that changed only over a long period of time) such as: texture (clay, sand, etc.), pH level, and other things relating to the physics of the soil. Other soil properties were dynamic in nature (changing more rapidly) including: gas content, water content, and the most dynamic of all, compaction. (“You get compaction, you aerate to relieve it, and then it’s played on and gets compacted again,” notes Dr. McGregor.) Throughout the experiment, the Verti- Drain played a central role by aerating those plots that were not part of the control group. The machine used solid tines to punch holes into the soil down to a maximum depth of 400 mm (16 inches). Unique when compared to most aerators, the Verti-Drain has the added benefit that as the tine goes into the soil, it will kick backwards and heave the soil,
lifting the soil profile slightly to relieve compaction. This allows oxygen and water to get down into the soil, providing a beneficial effect to the turfgrass, possibly due in part to a beneficial effect on the aerobic microbes in the soil. While this idea isn’t new, Dr. McGregor’s observations would either prove or disprove the assumption.
Key findings ... and what it means for your turf
Among the factors with the greatest influence on microbial activity in the soil are: temperature, water, and oxygen – all of which exerted transient changes on the microbial community.
The importance of water and oxygen in influencing microbial communities bears out the value of compaction relief through aeration. In this experiment, there are a number of benefits that were found to have a direct connection to the
Professional biodynamic balancing for
harmonious soil life
The Soil Harmony process - fi ve steps to soil health Our tried and tested, systematic approach naturally divides Into several stages:
1 2
Aeration - a surprising proportion of sports turf suffers from compacting, reducing the amount of benefi cial aerobic microbes In the soil.
3 14
www.pitchcare.com/re
Soil Health Check - thorough analysis to determine the exact status of your soil.
Nutrient Balancing and detoxifi cation - to correct any defi ciencies, breakdown of toxic elements such as pesticides and excess chemical fertilisers and to bring to moderate pH.
4 5
Soil Life Inoculation combining carbon based feeds, to stimulate benefi cial bacteria into action where suffi cient aerobic microbe activity Is present or...
Microbe Inoculation using carefully formulated bacteria, fungi and nutrients to Increase and stimulate the population of benefi cial aerobic microbes.
Regular feeding of soil and bacteria to maintain the new status quo.
use of a Verti-Drain for turfgrass aeration:
Soil Physical Characteristics: The effects on the soil are the most significant result of Verti-Drain treatment, where it reduces compaction in all seasons on both clay and sand-based sports turf, and significantly improves oxygen levels (unless waterlogged conditions exist). Microbial Structure: Microbial community structure is affected by treatment, but the strength of the response is season dependent and qualitative in nature. The main effect of the Verti-Drain was to change the microbial community structure in favour of more aerobic microbial groups, a factor that is believed to have a profound influence on organic matter dynamics and nutrient supply in sports turf soils. Aesthetic Characteristics: Changes in the soil and in the microbial structure yield improvements in appearance as well. In this era of televised golf and
Call for more information and your free Soil Health Check Kit
0845 458 2599 or visit
www.soilharmony.co.uk The end result…
An empowered root zone in harmony with the plants it supports results in:
● Healthy vibrant sports turf. ● Better tolerance of wear, temperature and stress.
● Uniform and defi ned colour. ● Reduced reliance on pesticides.
● Increased pay back for the Soil Harmony client.
37
Soil Health Check worth £75
Free
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