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initiated by hand using several implements to prepare a seedbed to renovate the worst affected areas.
“We needed a strong, reliable seed so we used AberRoyal browntop bentgrass from British Seed Houses at 4gms/m2
regular topdressing with blended peat to provide the nutrients for strong, healthy growth. We’ve used AberRoyal for many years and it is still our preferred seed because of its renowned qualities and its compatibility with the natural grasses present on the course. The mix of seed and topdressing was quite literally rubbed into the surface by hand to ensure the seed was planted exactly where it was needed. This process was repeated every month from May until August, with more seed being added to the germinated areas each time to keep the process of regeneration moving. Throughout this period the greens were lightly topdressed and occasionally treated with the plant growth regulator Primo MAXX, applied to encourage a denser sward.”
Steve added “Fortunately, we didn’t have to close the greens at all during the renovation period. Hand mowers were used initially at a cutting height of 5mm and reduced gradually to 3.5mm through until mid July, when the greens were once again deemed to be fully established and the triplex mowers were allowed on the restored surface once again. It’s testament to the quality of AberRoyal and the dedication of the greens staff that we have been able to overcome such a severe trauma to the greens with so little disruption to play.”
So, more than a year on, has the work Steve carried out been successful?
“The greens which were damaged have a significantly increased bentgrass population now than they had before”, he confirmed. “This is due to a couple of factors - the very intensive overseeding and the conditions. AberRoyal really suits our free-draining greens so the seedlings have a good chance to establish.”
What to do when disaster strikes
Steve suggests that a positive approach, and seeking advice from relevant experts, helped him tackle his situation.
Dr. Danny Thorogood from the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural
and a 70/30 mix of
Sciences (IBERS), breeders of AberRoyal for BSH at Aberystwyth, agrees that aeration is key to successful remediation. “Petrol is a complex mixture of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons which are highly phyto-toxic, causing reduced respiration, transpiration and photosynthesis. It will, therefore, adversely affect the growth of all plant parts and at all stages of plant development.”
“However, the degree of phytotoxicity is difficult to predict as it varies between soil type (soils with high organic matter are able to lock up toxic hydrocarbons),
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concentration and plant species. It is also highly toxic to micro-organisms that would have inhabited the golf green rootzones. Steve did exactly the right thing in aerating his greens, mirroring a practice employed in the
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bioremediation of industrially polluted soils world-wide. Aeration and mixing, nutrient fertilizer addition, pH amendment (if necessary) and moisture control are recommended practices to encourage the build up of a microbial population and optimise degradation of hydrocarbons by soil microorganisms.”
For effective overseeding, Simon Taylor from British Seed Houses explains why it’s important to create the right conditions. “The key to successful overseeding is soil/seed contact. If you broadcast seed onto the green and hope for the best then you may well be disappointed with the results. But, even with seed/soil contact, there is much more to consider. There needs to be enough moisture and warmth to assist germination coupled with a slackening of maintenance regimes in terms of cut. Beau Desert has a reputation for its fine playing surfaces and we were keen to work with Steve in remedying the situation. We are proud of our breeding developments through IBERS and AberRoyal is just one example of the ‘Aber’ cultivars that the amenity breeding programme has bought to the industry.”
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