Technical
Clean-cut holes are important for a speedy recovery, and the best way to ensure this is with sharp, smooth, good quality tines
the holes. Apply a second application a few days post coring to top off the holes and maintain a smooth surface
- Rolling the turf for a day or two after aeration will improve conditions for mowing and maintain levels and a smooth surface
- Irrigate and fertilise 3-4 days after to stimulate turf recovery
Tractor-mounted or pedestrian, mechanical or air combined, when it comes to choosing the right machinery for the job there are of course numerous options and, as with all things, budget is a factor. The universal requirement though is minimal surface disruption and a machine that can be relied upon to get turf back into play as soon as possible. The way aeration machinery has
progressed over the years now means the process is so much more efficient and time- effective. From taking three people up to two and a half hours to aerate one green, these days, eighteen greens can be done in less than a day thanks to innovative product development and new technology.
Other extras that make for easier aeration
are a ground following system so the machine matches ground undulation for consistent and even coring, and core deflectors which are fitted in front of the tyres to eliminate running over the pulled cores from the previous pass to make the clean up process far easier. The tractor you use for a mounted aerator can make a big difference to productivity, too. Some allow an aerator to just overlap the tread width of the tyres, meaning you don’t need to run back over the same area. Successful aeration is as much down to the quality and condition of the tines in use as it is the machine. In order to maintain your turf, it’s vital to ensure you have the very best equipment and parts to hand. Clean-cut holes are important for a speedy recovery, and the best way to ensure this is with sharp, smooth, good quality tines. They produce precise, consistent holes for faster turf recovery, a smooth finish and speedier return to play by maximising core-pulling and producing a superior quality hole. There are literally hundreds to choose from, and to suit every turf application, soil
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situation and season. And what you choose will be dependent on what is the right size and shape of tine for the ground conditions. For example slit, cross and chisel tines are the best choice for summer aeration on dry soil. By creating small incisions in the surface, these tines increase gas exchange, improve nutrient penetration into the soil and aid the removal of surface and subsurface water. Or many choose 8mm hollow tines during the hot months to remove thatch build-up and again increase nutrient and water penetration. However, these small holes can cause issues with filling, in which case 12- 15mm tines create holes that are far easier to fill. But tining at this size is more disruptive to the soil - there will always be pros and cons!
Article written by Trevor Chard, National Accounts Manager Golf at Reesink Turfcare, the UK distributor of Toro turf machinery
Spotting thatch
Thatch is decomposing or undecomposed organic matter exclusively of plant origin, which occurs when the rate of production of organic matter is faster than the rate of its decomposition.
As organic matter increases, more water is held in the upper portion of the soil profile and the effected area becomes like a sponge, holding many times its weight in water.
If your turf feels spongy underfoot, or you can see a lot of dead grass and organic matter on the soil surface, then the chances are you have too much thatch.
PC OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016 I 113
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