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Greens Culture...

ISTRC report- In the late fall we had a core sample test done by the International Sports Turf research Center. This method of testing is new to Highland. Through this process we are able to measure the percentages of organic matter, bulk density and among other things the rate of water percolation. With this data in hand we can evaluate exactly how our current cultural practices are working. As a result of this test we have discovered that the organic matter percentages in the top three inches of our greens are  still too high.  At this point we do not suffer any direct deficiencies as a result. We do however need to address this issue proactively, before we risk the health and playability of our greens. In this state water and air are limited in their ability to reach below the three inch mark. This limits root growth as roots need both air and water to thrive. Our greens are equipped with internal drainage added by the club a number of years ago. If these percentages are not lowered through cultural practices, (core aeration, deep vertical mowing and topdressing) the drainage will no longer be effective, therefore wasting the money and effort put into that project.

Displacement is the percentage of material removed during a cultural practice.  Research shows that removing 20% organic matter annually is effective in maintaining a high quality putting surface.  There are only two effective ways of displacing organic matter on a green. One being core aeration and the second being deep vertical mowing.We currently use deep vertical mowing twice per year(which provides 7% displacement in the top inch of the profile). Our current core aeration program is to only perform it once annually in August (which provides 8% displacement down to 3 inches of the profile) . For direct comparison, it should be noted that we are the only club in our area that only core aerates their greens once a year. Additional core aeration is needed to begin to remove enough organic matter to "keep up" with growing healthy turf. Therefore we will be replacing our spring Deep tine aerification with a core aeration in early May. This will begin to remedy this problem year by year. Healing time will be no different than with our past Deep tine aeration. Our plan is to start on Sunday, May 5th at 4pm and continue into Monday, May 6th, having all greens aerated and top-dressed by Monday night. During the process the pins will be located in the approaches as temporary greens.
We appreciate our membership's patience and understanding during these vital cultural practices.

 

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