Pitchcare Classifieds
the surface. Ensuring you can find a balanced mowing height to allow good coverage without affecting playing quality is important in all sports in terms of moss reduction.
Reduce thatch. The utilisation of controlled frequency verticutting and deep scarification during periods of good recovery will reduce the organic content within the thatch layer. Reducing this moisture holding ability within the O horizon of the soil is very important in moss control.
Aeration, aeration, aeration. As with anything in a sports surface, ensuring the best aeration will help provide a competitive grass sward. As mosses prefer compacted, moist soils, reducing the
compaction and increasing drainage ability is a great tool in reducing the efficacy of moss invasion.
Essentially with a tufted, more vertical growth habit, scarification / verticutting often does not have the desired effect. Many golf and bowls greenkeepers will be familiar with the invasion of a moss known as ‘silver moss’ (Bryum argenteum). This sub-species is of particular nuisance due to its rapid colonisation of weak areas and an ability to withstand some chemical control.
As moss is an advantageous species, the important thing is to try and ensure a competitive growth habit by the individual grass plants. Ground coverage, especially heading into the winter, is therefore essential.
What else can be done to reduce the risk of moss invasion / establishment?
Ensure adequate irrigation without over-watering. Many sports complexes around the country utilise an automatic irrigation system. In periods of stress, it would be advisable to water thoroughly, but to requirement. Over-watering can lead to other unwanted problems.
Find a balance in mowing height. Particularly in golf and bowls, mowing height plays a significant part in how the ball reacts with
Removal of surrounding causes of shade. In areas that are prone to moss, look around the area and whether anything can be done to reduce the shade/increase direct light levels (e.g. removal of tree limbs etc). As mentioned previously, moss is highly competitive in shade over grass.
Overseeding. Overseeding in the autumn is recommended due to a more reliable amount of moisture and mild temperatures promoting early germination and establishment. Ensuring good establishment could be key in increasing coverage as you head into winter, particularly in known bare areas.
A balanced fertiliser programme.
Obviously, with all of these control methods it’s important to strike a balance between the needs of your customers/visitors and the effective control of moss. Following this sort of integrated approach in general should provide an excellent basis for the production of quality surfaces. Therefore, the effective control of moss could/should occur as a by-product of solid greenkeeping techniques. Author: James Brierley, ALS Technical Manager
TURF SUPPLIERS
Specialist growers of turf for sport & amenity
Mixtures available for all areas of the golf course including revetting turf and greens turf on USGA rootzone.
Specialist growers of sportsturf and golf turf with a wide range of grades, rootzones, thick and fibre reinforced turf
Tel: 01904 448675
sales@turf.co.uk
www.turf.co.uk WEED CONTROL
Tailormade weed control programmes
• Single application • Contract spraying • Any size area, any situation
We also offer a complete maintenance and renovation programme for amateur and professional football and rugby clubs, racecourses and golf courses.
01744 885098
Mobile: 07711 004000 Email:
info@rainford.com www.rainford.eu
SPORTS EQUIPMENT
Why not visit our online Buyers Guide for direct links to suppliers websites and email addresses
www.pitchcare.com
Winter sports turf for football & rugby on soil or with fibre reinforced rootzone.
Thick cut & 1.2m wide big roll. Supply and lay service available.
www.tillersturf.co.uk 01652 678000
UPSONS RECONDITIONED MACHINERY ROLLERS • MOWERS • TRACTORS • SCARIFIERS 100’s of mowers in stock, trade prices, warranty
Tel: 01621 892907 Email: upso
wers@tiscali.co nmo WASHDOWN SYSTEMS WATER MANAGEMENT
.uk
PC APRIL/MAY 2014 l 151
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