The answer is not in the bottle, it’s the chainsaw!
due to the lack of leaf - photosynthesis, carbohydrates, energy, recovery rate, call it what you like. The problem is the height of cut.
So, we lifted the height of cut
and removed the problem trees. Our biggest task was to remove the thatch. Continual aeration has been the key. Our aim to aerate every week was successful - last year we managed fifty eight times. We used an array of implements, different sized solid tines, deep slitting, shallow slitting, hollow tines and a light sarrel roll. We have tried to fill every hole with topdressing to encourage a firmer, truer surface. We also followed every operation with the vibrating rollers and a good cut. This ensured the surface was back as quick as possible We have limited our chemical, fertiliser and water applications as much as possible - but not too quickly or we would find greens without any grass, and some very disgruntled members. We needed to be sensible. We suffered with anthracnose, so a gentle feed was necessary. The most important thing is the pace at which change
is implemented. Reducing the water has been a problem because Mother Nature kept throwing it down.
Where are we now?
We have made considerable progress. In just one year, and in dreadfully wet weather conditions, the thatch/root structure is showing signs of improvement. We are seeing natural bent grasses appear. We have reduced feed from 250kg N to 90kg N. We have reduced fungicide input from 10-14 applications to just four. We have lifted the summer cutting height from between 1.8- 3mm to 4-5mm. Maybe slight improvements, but we have stopped the rot. We are now sustainable. Every year I expect improvements, healthier greens, less financial strain, and better all year round quality. The beginning is the hardest part, continual disturbance and slower greens have tested my members and my communication skills. Soon we will implement a seeding programme and the Disturbance Theory can kick in. Our future is looking brighter!
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