Pitchcare Classifieds There are further benefits to
greens rolling and these can be seen in the level of trueness which is immediately apparent. Research carried out (by J Richards et al, 2007) has shown that mowing six times per week at 3.9mm and rolling three times per week provided a consistent ball roll distance of 10.6ft. Furthermore, mowing three times per week at 3.125mm, rolling on alternate days three times per week did show ball roll distances of 11ft. This, of course, relates back to the opening question, just how fast do greens need to be? In the quest for green speed we
should consider the fact that rolling frequencies can have an adverse affect on turf grass quality. This is evident in the thinning of the turf grass on putting surfaces, rolled frequently between four to seven times per week over longer periods, and therefore only recommended for short term use; for example, tournament preparation for the scratch golfer. Again in relation to sustainable greenkeeping, we can roll at lower frequencies for extended periods and achieve more than adequate green speeds without affecting turf grass health (C. Hartwiger, 1996). Courses that are consistently kept in championship condition cost substantially more to maintain because of more frequent mowing, reseeding, irrigation and other factors (C. Bigelow, 2007). Compaction levels are perceived
as being problematic, however modern rolling equipment and increasing constructions of United States Golf Association (USGA) specifications (1993) or sand based root zone constructions have literally ironed out the issue of compaction. Research has shown that bulk density is not affected on USGA greens, although rolling does increase the bulk density of traditional push up style greens in the first year of rolling.
During the dormant growth
periods, we can use dedicated greens rollers in place of mowing equipment to achieve an adequate and consistent green speed. This will also allow the greenkeeper to raise the height of
cut. The grass plant can then better utilise the shorter photoperiod available during the winter months and make best use of the limited daylight hours. An increase in leaf blade size is
directly attributed to the plant’s ability during the light reaction to produce Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) molecules which carry energy around plant cells, and during the Calvin cycle or dark reaction where ATP is used to add the hydrogen from NADPH to carbon dioxide from the air to form carbohydrates for the grass plant. To end on the subject, I ask you
again, just how fast do your greens need to be? Of course, taking into account the handicaps of the majority of golfers in your membership. Author: Paul Forrest.
TURF SUPPLIERS WEED CONTROL
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.
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
USED MACHINERY
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
Tailormade weed control programmes
• Single application • Contract spraying • Any size area, any situation
Paul has over 19 years practical and managerial experience in the Sports Turf and Amenity Horticulture sector. After working as a Greenkeeping Apprentice, Paul joined the Greenkeeping team at The Flaxby as Deputy Head Greenkeeper and later became a company director for a Landscape and Horticultural contractor. In 2013, he rejoined The Flaxby and is currently studying the Foundation Degree Sports Turf Science through Myerscough College. The R&A awarded Paul a placement onto their Greenkeeping Scholarship programme through which he regularly exchanges advice and expertise regarding Golf Course sustainability and sound management practices alongside fellow R&A Scholars.
UPSONS RECONDITIONEDMACHINERY
ROLLERS •MOWERS • TRACTORS • SCARIFIERS 100’s of mowers in stock, trade prices, warranty
Tel: 01621 892907 Email: upso
wers@tiscali.co nmo SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Go to
www.pitchcare.com to subscribe on-line or call 01952 897910 for further information
WATER MANAGEMENT WASHDOWN SYSTEMS
.uk
PC JUNE/JULY 2014 l 151
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