Physical Analysis of #18 Green

Yesterday we received the physical analysis report of our 18th green...This is a soil test that compares the soil from the top 3 inches of the green against the bottom 3-6 inches. We had this test done to investigate the reasons behind the thinning and poor rooting that we experienced throughout the 2012 season. In layman's terms, the report has shown that in the top 3 inches of the soil profile we have accumulated a decent amount of sand through regular topdressing. The negative results are noticed in the bottom 3-6 inches of the profile, there is virtually no sand...thus creating a poor draining and compacted layer. These conditions make it very hard for turf grass to deeply root and thrive. When you are unable to produce a solid root mass, the turf grass will struggle, especially in a summer like we just experienced with record breaking heat and drought. We have been working away at deep tining our greens for the past three seasons. The profile will get better through repeated deep tine aeration and sand topdressing, but as with most cultural practices, it take time. Through soil profiling and some investigative work, I would suggest that the upper putting green is of the same sand content and sand percentages as the 18th (or lack there of) .

Therefore, we will be deep tine aerifying and rolling (to close the top of the holes) both #18 and UPG regularly from now until the end of the season (2 week intervals). The goal of the deep tining is to relieve compaction and allow for deeper rooting. Additional sand topdressing will be performed later in the season to raise the sand percentages in the lower section. There will some noticeable holes but not a huge impact on play. We will be starting this process today...Thursday, September 20th.