Technical RIPTA
Register of Independent Professional Turfgrass Agronomists
Those listed on the Register are able to consult regarding:
Not suitable for dilution
methods. Micro-tining, dilution only and even conventional hollow coring and scarification will produce extremely modest to completely wasteful results. Double treatment - The details of renovations will be imperative on reaching this stage of organic matter development. Nothing short of 14-16mm tine sizes should be considered, and 2.5-3mm blade width on scarification units will be essential in order to achieve the necessary percentage of surface impact. Single treatment (hollow core) at the conventional 2 x annually will have a marginal effect and will be slow to reduce the organic matter back to desired or even acceptable levels. Sand injection treatments have proved effective in the rate of reduction, and should be considered in these cases. Retaining expert advise in working through such process will be critical as, if implemented poorly, surface disruption is often more severe than necessary.
At 20% plus organic matter - surface renewal programmes - where organic matter levels of 20% plus are present, serious consideration should be given to surface renewal programmes. A further article, later in the year, will outline the specialist schemes available to golf and bowls clubs that achieve rapid and essential reductions in organic matter.
Biological degradation of organic matter
Throughout the last decade of our consulting experience, products that have come and gone and come again are ‘thatch eaters’, biological thatch degrading microbes. For those who sell it, an
emotional and strong commitment to their efficiency is given. In addition, some privately funded research has shown a notable potential for this type of product to increase the rate of organic matter reduction. In contrast, both practice and some independent research, show little significant proof of notable levels of efficacy. From the organic matter results collected to date, little in the way of solid evidence exists to confirm its effectiveness in real life situations. At present, however, we continue to keep an open mind to any solution, as part of an ongoing holistic programme.
In Summary
Renovation, sand dressing and aeration treatments represent some of the most controversial management practices implemented on the golf course.
These practices also
represent some of the most important and essential practices for the promotion of plant health and quality, year round, playing surfaces. Whether or not
implementing these practices is sufficient or excessive, knowing the necessity for them is fundamental to any maintenance programme. Through close monitoring,
we are now working with many clubs on reducing unnecessary operations, thanks to changes made in previous years.
SAS - Organic Matter Testing Postal Based Organic Matter Sampling Services
SAS have developed an accurate mail based organic matter sampling process. Using bespoke collection units clients can collect samples themselves and send off samples to our laboratory.
Benefits of LOI Testing
• Accurate decision making with regards to renovations and sand topdressing programmes.
• Instant identification of organic matter trends over months.
• Cost projection of organic matter management costs years in advance.
• Detailed planning of coring diameters, depths and blade widths.
• Review the effectiveness of implemented programmes and improve in house learning.
• Bespoke programmes for individual greens with improved uniformity between greens.
For further information contact Charles Henderson at Sports Agronomy Services:
E:
charles.henderson@sportsagronomyservices.com T: 07446 161006
Charles Henderson HND, BA, BASIS, RIPTA,
Agronomy Director
Sports Agronomy Services Ltd.
www.sportsagronomyservices.com
JUNE/JULY 2013 PC 127
COST OF TESTING No. of Greens 3 Greens 6 Greens 9 Greens 12 Greens 18 Greens
Cost
£150.00 £285.00 £420.00 £560.00 £840.00
*Plus postage and packaging and VAT.
Feasibility Studies Turf maintenance programmes Agronomy Turfgrass disease problems Drainage advice
Soil analysis/interpretation Construction documentation Recruitment of staff Project management Training and education Expert witness work
For more information and contact details for the Consultant Agronomists on the RIPTA Register go to:
www.RIPTA.co.uk
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