June 11' - Sustainable Turf
Sustainable Turf…..
Much of what we do in course maintenance is geared towards the day to day playability. There are however,
multiple maintenance practices where the primary focus is for the longer term benefits, from both a playability
and agronomic standpoint. Examples of these practices would include, but are not limited to conventional
aeration, drill and fill, dry ject, and topdressing.
These processes have a cumulative effect over time while also providing some immediate benefit. They allow
for smoother and firmer surfaces, more rapid movement of water, healthier roots, and better oxygenation of
soil. These processes help to prime the turf for the onslaught of stressful environmental conditions so that it
may better withstand the stress. I would compare it to training for a marathon…..preparation begins months
before the event so the athlete can withstand the rigors of the race. One who thinks he can train for a week or
two will likely not succeed……if he does, the results probably would be less than desirable.
The lessons learned from the last two years made it clear that we need to take a more proactive approach
with the “preparation and training” of our greens if our goal is to maintain good health and playability year
round. While the timing of these processes will always ruffle some feathers, I feel strongly that we are headed
in a positive direction. Please keep in mind that these processes are cumulative in nature…..the longer you
train for the marathon, the higher you are likely to place the day of the event.
One last note…….it all starts with where the roots grow
healthy soil = healthy roots = healthy turf = better playing surfaces
Much of what we do in course maintenance is geared towards the day to day playability. There are however,
multiple maintenance practices where the primary focus is for the longer term benefits, from both a playability
and agronomic standpoint. Examples of these practices would include, but are not limited to conventional
aeration, drill and fill, dry ject, and topdressing.
These processes have a cumulative effect over time while also providing some immediate benefit. They allow
for smoother and firmer surfaces, more rapid movement of water, healthier roots, and better oxygenation of
soil. These processes help to prime the turf for the onslaught of stressful environmental conditions so that it
may better withstand the stress. I would compare it to training for a marathon…..preparation begins months
before the event so the athlete can withstand the rigors of the race. One who thinks he can train for a week or
two will likely not succeed……if he does, the results probably would be less than desirable.
The lessons learned from the last two years made it clear that we need to take a more proactive approach
with the “preparation and training” of our greens if our goal is to maintain good health and playability year
round. While the timing of these processes will always ruffle some feathers, I feel strongly that we are headed
in a positive direction. Please keep in mind that these processes are cumulative in nature…..the longer you
train for the marathon, the higher you are likely to place the day of the event.
One last note…….it all starts with where the roots grow
healthy soil = healthy roots = healthy turf = better playing surfaces
Every month, Charlie Miller makes a informative letter contribution to the clubs newsletter.
