Technical - Golf
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It could be that percolation rates have reduced to the extent that localised ponding of water eventually results in poor turf quality and stagnant turf conditions
Localised ponding results in poor turf quality
green representative sampling system is the most common way to determine a working base of any OM levels that need to be managed. So, how much OM is acceptable I hear you
ask? lt’s a subject that has been well debated over the years and it’s true to say that there are differing opinions amongst the greenkeeping fraternity, but it’s fair to suggest that we would expect a target level of about 5-7 % within the 0-20mm depth and would expect to see that reducing the deeper you go into the green’s profile. It’s also helpful to understand that too
little an OM level is not good either, as this can, in some cases, result in instability issues. So, hand on my heart, I think a realistic target level would be around 5-7%. Once you have established the facts and,
importantly, have a complete understanding of just where in the profile any OM issues are, you can then tailor your removal or dilution programmes to exactly target the problem. There is no point in having a sore backside and scratching your nose, so a well targeted and sight specific programme of events will always be worthwhile in reducing the percentage of any OM levels quickly and efficiently.
The choice of machinery is crucial; can the
proposed equipment reach sufficiently deep to attack the problem? Timing is another consideration. When will you carry out these operations to not only get the maximum returns, but also have prevailing weather conditions and systems in place to ensure a quick ‘return to play’ scenario? The latter consideration should help you maintain good working relationships with your membership. By having a full and detailed
understanding of the problem well in advance, planning can then be put in place to cover everything you need to succeed. You will know where the problems are, you will know what time you need to carry out these works and, just as importantly, you will have a complete understanding of how long
120 I PC OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
it will take and what equipment, staff and materials you require to do the work.
Deep Compaction Levels
As I have alluded to thus far, by determining how important it is to take soil samples for the management of organic matter, I would now like to focus on the underlying problem of an overly compacted profile. There is a close relationship to the build-up of OM at the surface and a deep rooted compaction problem. It would be safe to suggest that we
experience compaction problems more on our older, push-up greens; however, this is not to suggest that a deep ‘in the profile’ compaction problem is exclusive to them. With the golfing boom of the late eighties
and early nineties, we experienced some poor material choices used during construction. So it may be there is a need for deep aeration to resolve problems found on these modern greens as well.
Again, there is nothing quite like digging
holes to see and identify these compaction problems. Normally, the indication of a compaction
problem will be a reduction in a green’s performance, primarily due to soft, wet surfaces that are unable to sustain good playing conditions for the larger part of the year. It could be that percolation rates have
reduced to the extent that localised ponding of water eventually results in poor turf quality and stagnant turf conditions. It may be that it first shows its head on your high traffic areas of you greens; namely walk on and walk off areas. It is not uncommon to find severe
waterlogging problems at the surface, yet with bone dry and dusty conditions below these areas. If you are satisfied that your organic matter management is under control, this is an indication that a
Dial in some heave
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