wrong reasons! To understand this one must appreciate that nitrogen causes cell elongation. The grasses produce abundant growth resulting in a soft, leggy, weak structure within the plant’s cells, stems and leaves. The sugars that are produced within the leaves are not passed back to the roots due to the leaves being regularly removed by the operation of mowing. Therefore, the roots are never replenished, they become stressed and shallow. If you constantly feed the turf with the traditional granule salt based nutrients then the consequence is that you will inevitably stimulate soft, weak and susceptible poor plant growth, and that effects sustainability. Over watering can also contribute to thatch since it can lead to rotting of the surface, inducing disease infestation. This is particularly evident when an accumulation of thatch is already evident. A simple test of thatch is the
To advertise in this section contact Classifieds
Peter Britton on 01747 855335 email:
peter@pitchcare.com
DRAINAGE
and are, therefore, shallow and close to the surface.
‘finger test’. If your thatch is one finger’s width deep you are okay. Two fingers or more and you have a problem! A further cause of thatch is a compacted soil surface which, in itself, becomes a hindrance to the penetration of air, water and nutrient. At this point growth can vary significantly between waterlogging and drought until only the Poa annua (Annual Meadow Grass) or other challenging grasses or weed grasses survive and the remainder is thatch and moss. The end product of this
problem can be seen all too often on sport turf surfaces throughout the entire world, let alone the UK. These soils have predominantly been allowed to become acid and are maintained by mowing and salt fertiliser feeding. Even some established turf specialists have recommended 8-0-0+Iron as a mini granule feeding programme to the turf manager! The use of amine nitrogen
provides the user with far greater control in the production of turf culture, with significantly less stresses on both the turf and that of the course manager. Stoloniferous grasses, such as
strong creeping bent grasses which have been bred from water meadow pastures, favour high water input. Along with regular nitrogen concentrates this will certainly result in the increasing accumulation of thatch, since these types of grasses regenerate quickly following the stresses of scarification and, after the new growth has begun, most of the old stems die off contributing to the organic matter accumulation.
form an extremely dense mat, restricting penetration and percolation of moisture, nutrition and dressings to the soil surface and consequently to the roots where the brains of the plant exist. In thatch, plant roots remain within the fibre content
Once established, thatch will
Thatch is the best possible breeding ground for disease and more serious problems that can occur on the soft, spongy surface of a slow putting green. Therefore, it is imperative that steps are taken to control thatch development. Problems are caused by the non penetration of fertiliser through the thatch and the soil. Salt based inorganic fertilisers held within the thatch layer contribute to surface rooting since, as mentioned earlier, the grass roots will grow where the nutrients and moisture are. Similarly, any dressings you
intend to give to the soil will be difficult to control as many chemicals will be trapped and retained within the thatch and will be prevented from reaching the soil and, in particular, the root hairs which transport the required concentrations for a healthy plant. Fibrous turf also presents a
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problem in dry weather, as the fibre dries out much faster than the soil. The turf deteriorates quickly because the grass, under this situation, is shallow rooted. In dry conditions the players find it difficult to hold shots on to golf greens as the spongy nature tends to act like a spring board, bouncing the ball off the surface. Aeration with the various tines will be absolutely essential in order to transfer moisture to the soil after any application of artificial or natural watering. So much for how, why and when thatch accumulates! The result of the accumulation
is well known to us all. Its effect is a non uniform playing surface, which, in itself, is of poor quality. This is no longer acceptable to your committees, owners or managers and it should not be acceptable to the professional Turf Manager. Remind yourself that the whole green, pitch or facility must be fit for the playing of the particular game. It must have a true, smooth, even textured surface on which to play and have enjoyment. Yet, one could argue that, in golf, it requires some hold for an approach shot. Hence, a little fibre is always acceptable but, of course, it still has to be managed or controlled. Act now or be challenged later!!
Further information from David H. Bates Agronomy Services. Tel: 07736 066031. Email:
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Tel: 01787 311811 Fax: 01787 310888 E-mail:
info@trenchers.co.uk •
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Miles Drainage Limited
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www.milesdrainage.co.uk
Email:
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Traditional drainage and Lytag banding of greens and fairways
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