An update from Paul Woodham visit from the STRI (our agronomist). I covered in depth in my last blog what I thought was causing the problems with the greens. Below are some bullet points from our visit (should make for easier reading).
- Grass loss caused by poor draining soils at a depth of 75mm.
- Previous dressing used is the main cause of the problem. Where the particle size of the previously used dressing is too small/fine the water is not draining through it fast enough. The top 75mm is free draining.
- Where the two dressings meet is the problem area causing a perched water table. The fineness of the dressing has caused the soil to become tight and compact.
- With compaction comes poor rooting, loss of grass and poor drainage.
- The chemical I sprayed had minor scorching effect on a small number of areas but has not caused the loss of grass.
- The problems have accumulated over the past years with the amount of golf now played on 125 year old greens and the fact we do not use temporary greens during frost and wet weather.
- Some of the areas have been caused by frost damage especially on the putting green.
SHORT TERM PLAN
- Overseed greens with a fescue/bent seed.
- Regular brushing and light dressing.
- Sarel rolling.
- Regular light liquid feeding and seaweed.
MEDIUM TERM PLAN
- Increase the use of the Air2g2 at different depths.
- Micro hollow coring on the worst greens.
- Re-think our August renovation work and solid tine rather than hollow core.
LONG TERM PLAN
- Introduce pipe drainage to all greens (plan to be formulated)
- Increase use of Air2g2.
- Annual deep aeration.
- introduce temporary greens and possibly closure of putting green in frost.
The weather is against us at the moment. Whilst we are having good temperatures during day the night time is still very cold. Current ground temperature on the greens is 9 degrees we are looking for 12 - 14 for any consistent growth. Also the lack of moisture is a major factor. We have had 32mm since the 1st March. Typically we would have had around 90mm. Unfortunately there is no quick fix. patience and good weather is what is needed with the occasional rain shower.
Thank you for reading.
Regards Lee
- Grass loss caused by poor draining soils at a depth of 75mm.
- Previous dressing used is the main cause of the problem. Where the particle size of the previously used dressing is too small/fine the water is not draining through it fast enough. The top 75mm is free draining.
- Where the two dressings meet is the problem area causing a perched water table. The fineness of the dressing has caused the soil to become tight and compact.
- With compaction comes poor rooting, loss of grass and poor drainage.
- The chemical I sprayed had minor scorching effect on a small number of areas but has not caused the loss of grass.
- The problems have accumulated over the past years with the amount of golf now played on 125 year old greens and the fact we do not use temporary greens during frost and wet weather.
- Some of the areas have been caused by frost damage especially on the putting green.
SHORT TERM PLAN
- Overseed greens with a fescue/bent seed.
- Regular brushing and light dressing.
- Sarel rolling.
- Regular light liquid feeding and seaweed.
MEDIUM TERM PLAN
- Increase the use of the Air2g2 at different depths.
- Micro hollow coring on the worst greens.
- Re-think our August renovation work and solid tine rather than hollow core.
LONG TERM PLAN
- Introduce pipe drainage to all greens (plan to be formulated)
- Increase use of Air2g2.
- Annual deep aeration.
- introduce temporary greens and possibly closure of putting green in frost.
The weather is against us at the moment. Whilst we are having good temperatures during day the night time is still very cold. Current ground temperature on the greens is 9 degrees we are looking for 12 - 14 for any consistent growth. Also the lack of moisture is a major factor. We have had 32mm since the 1st March. Typically we would have had around 90mm. Unfortunately there is no quick fix. patience and good weather is what is needed with the occasional rain shower.
Thank you for reading.
Regards Lee