This morning we sprayed a colorant around the effected perimeters. This will do 2 things: the first is aesthetic – it will make the tip burn less obvious. Second, and most importantly, it gives the surface a darker color which will help absorb heat and promote better recovery overall to these stressed out areas. As I mentioned, this is just a tip burn and the turf will quickly regain its color. I will be discussing this situation with my staff, and we will adjust our application rates and methods to prevent getting a tip burn again from this product in the future.
I realize that there is genuine concern among our members over the lack of turf coverage, and loss of turf on some perimeters. I have looked at these areas with several industry consultants, and also former golf course superintendents that have switched professions and are now my suppliers. Following is some of the feedback and recommendations I have received.
Todd Lowe - USGA Regional Agronomist: This is common with new greens, which take several years to mature and form a protective mat layer. Todd recommended purchasing a soil meter to monitor moisture levels over the entire green. We purchased one of these, and I wrote about it in my blog last week. It has provided very useful data that we couldn't get before.
Mark Burrows - Tom & Mark Burrows Turfgrass Services: Water is wicking from green perimeters (USGA greens mix) to collars (native soil), and in towards the center of the greens. He recommended plugging the drainage vents to create a differential in surface tension required for the green to peculate properly. He spoke with Professor Robert Carrow of the University of Georgia, who has done research on USGA Spec greens construction, and he confirmed this. As a result of his recommendations the vents have been capped. (This was mentioned in a previous blog) Mark also recommended a weekly folliar spray program, which we have been following.
Nat Hubbard - Agronomic Consultant, the International Sports Turf Research Center: Nat felt that gasses were building up in the soil and recommended reinstalling the vents. He also recomended blowing air into the drain lines, which we are doing by modifying our tow behind blower. (Also mentioned in a previous blog)
Jim Glase - Owner, Glase Golf: Jim was our contractor for the 2010 GCIP and built our greens. Jim came back out to look at the greens, but had no idea why we were having problems on some perimiters.
I also have several former superintendents that are now chemical and fertilizer suppliers. I have hauled these guys out to look at greens and listened to their thoughts. Of course each one has a product that they sell to recomend. I have also talked with other local superintendents about how they handle similar situations.
As you can see there are many different theories as to why we are having such a challenge on these areas, but nothing points to a singular cause. I have listened to all input from all of these experts and applied many useful ideas and suggestions. Am I satisfied with the condition of these areas? No. Are we going to loose any greens? Absolutly not! Is the situation getting better? Yes, and we can expect this to continue. Today's rain will help flush salts and bicarbonates through the rootzone, which will have a very benefical effect on the greens. Even more rain is forecast for the rest of the week which will hopefully bring up the water table level. Enjoy your time out on the course, and know that we will continue to fight the fight!
