 |
|
Golf course putting greens show their age
September 04, 2009Researchers seek to maintain healthy greens, reduce construction costs
LINCOLN, NE-Just like the rest of us, golf courses show their age-especially on putting greens, which experience more foot traffic than anywhere else on golf courses. Putting greens, which comprise only about 1.6% of the total area on most courses, require more intensive management than any other part of the course. To keep putting greens in top form, turfgrass experts study ways to provide proper nutrients to the root zone, a critical area for maintaining healthy turf.
Putting greens are dynamic; greens experience chemical, physical, and biological changes that occur over time. Organic matter begins to accumulate and contribute to the deterioration of the root zone soon after turfgrass establishment occurs on sand-based root zones. Chemical properties such as pH and cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the root zone influence availability of essential nutrients and impact turfgrass use, maintenance, and performance. Inadequate or excessive soil nutrient levels can lead to problems in turfgrass health, vigor, and quality.
To better understand nutrient and chemical changes in turfgrass sand-based root zones, Dr. Roch E. Gaussoin and colleagues from the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, conducted a research study designed to characterize nutrient and chemical properties in putting greens influenced by root-zone mixture and establishment treatment, putting green age, and soil depth. The results of the 3-year research were published in a recent issue of HortScience.
Research was conducted at the University of Nebraska's John Seaton Anderson Turfgrass Research Facility located near Mead, Nebraska. Four experimental putting greens were constructed in sequential years from 1997 to 2000. Treatments included root-zone mixtures of 80:20 (v:v) sand and sphagnum peat and 80:15:5 (v:v:v) sand, sphagnum peat, and soil, and accelerated versus controlled establishment.
In the establishment year, the accelerated treatment received 2.6-, 3.0-, and 2.6-fold more nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, respectively, than the controlled treatment. Soil samples were analyzed for nutrient and chemical properties such as pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic matter (OM), total soluble salts (TSS), and 12 nutrients. Researchers found that the 80:20 (sand:peat) root zone was generally not chemically different from the 80:15:5 (sand:peat:soil) for any of the three studies. According to Gaussoin, "establishment treatment had no effect beyond the establishment year except for increased P for greens that received the accelerated establishment treatment."
Organic matter accumulation in the upper region of the putting green root zones studied may have contributed to increased retention of nutrient and chemical properties near the putting green surface, particularly as the putting greens increased in age.
Gaussoin added; "Because root zone had minimal to no effect, replacing some of the peat with soil in the root zone could reduce construction costs and aid in nutrient retention as long as the soil-amended root zone meets USGA specifications." The researchers also concluded that because the additional nutrient inputs were not retained in root zones in this study, increased fertility inputs during the establishment year may not be environmentally responsible.
American Society for Horticultural Science
To better understand nutrient and chemical changes in turfgrass sand-based root zones, Dr. Roch E. Gaussoin and colleagues from the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, conducted a research study designed to characterize nutrient and chemical properties in putting greens influenced by root-zone mixture and establishment treatment, putting green age, and soil depth. The results of the 3-year research were published in a recent issue of HortScience.
Research was conducted at the University of Nebraska's John Seaton Anderson Turfgrass Research Facility located near Mead, Nebraska. Four experimental putting greens were constructed in sequential years from 1997 to 2000. Treatments included root-zone mixtures of 80:20 (v:v) sand and sphagnum peat and 80:15:5 (v:v:v) sand, sphagnum peat, and soil, and accelerated versus controlled establishment.
In the establishment year, the accelerated treatment received 2.6-, 3.0-, and 2.6-fold more nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, respectively, than the controlled treatment. Soil samples were analyzed for nutrient and chemical properties such as pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic matter (OM), total soluble salts (TSS), and 12 nutrients. Researchers found that the 80:20 (sand:peat) root zone was generally not chemically different from the 80:15:5 (sand:peat:soil) for any of the three studies. According to Gaussoin, "establishment treatment had no effect beyond the establishment year except for increased P for greens that received the accelerated establishment treatment."
Organic matter accumulation in the upper region of the putting green root zones studied may have contributed to increased retention of nutrient and chemical properties near the putting green surface, particularly as the putting greens increased in age.
Gaussoin added; "Because root zone had minimal to no effect, replacing some of the peat with soil in the root zone could reduce construction costs and aid in nutrient retention as long as the soil-amended root zone meets USGA specifications." The researchers also concluded that because the additional nutrient inputs were not retained in root zones in this study, increased fertility inputs during the establishment year may not be environmentally responsible.
American Society for Horticultural Science
This grass is still greener
In areas of the U.S. where golfers can enjoy the game year-round, winter temperatures, foot and equipment traffic, and frost can wreak havoc on healthy greens and present challenges for course managers and owners.
More Putting Greens Current Events and Putting Greens News Articles
 |
Grassroots Par 3 Putting Green 3' x 9' 3 holes by Charter Par Three Putting Green 3'x 9' putting green with three flags and |
 |
Club Champ Expand-a-Green Modular Putting System by Club Champ This Modular Putting Mat includes 10 modular interlocking panels that can be set up in a variety of configurations. Any of the outer panels can accommodate the 2 regulation size cups and flagsticks to create multiple pin locations. Carry bag included, great for indoor or outdoor use as well as in the pool. |
 |
Ball Back Putting Green by Olympia Sports Nine Foot Long Direct Return Putting GreenThis one hole 9' putting green with non-skid backing features a continuous return of the ball to the putterBalls return from cup ( thru tunnel ) and back and side guttersTrack allows continuous and direct return of ball with every shotUse indoors or out for improving you game or just for fun ! CLUBS AND BALL NOT INCLUDED |
 |
Wilson Golf Island Green Putting Mat by Wilson The Island Green on this professional style 8ft. putting green helps sharpen your putting speed and accuracy. |
 |
Three Hole Green - Portable Putting Green by Olympia Sports Practice your chipping and putting on our 3' x 9' kidney shaped golf green...If ball does not fall into cup the foam incline mat returns ball to golfer...Poly grass surface simulates Bermuda Grass to give authentic feel ...Green has four holes to create a one to four hole golf course... Backstop to keep balls on green...A 3' pole and flag are included...UPS. Clubs & Balls Not Included. |
 |
Club Champ Putt 'n Return Putting Mat by Club Champ 8' Long x 16" wide putting mat for indoor use to practice your putting game. Electronic ball return helps to return your golf ball automatically after most made and missed putts in the mock sand trap and water hazard. Great for adult golfers. |
 |
Tour Links Dogbone Indoor/Outdoor Putting Green - 3 x 10 Feet by Tour Links Work on improving your game almost anywhere and at anytime with the Tour Links 3'x10' Dogbone Indoor/ Outdoor Putting Green. Like all Tour Links Putting systems, the Dogbone assembles and dissembles easily so you can practice in your family room, office, or back yard in just minutes. Plus, its generous 20 square-foot putting surface gives you ample room to practice a wide range of shots. Item Weight: 85 pounds. # 2' 10" Width x 9' 9" Length. 20 square feet of putting surface. Weather resistant for Indoor/Outdoor use. Portable: Assembles/Disassembles in minutes. Turf: Tour Speed for more realistic putting. 2 Regulation Size Cups: Lower than the level of the turf allowing the ball to fall completely into the cup. 1 Practice Green Pin. Structural Molded Base. 2 interlocking panels. Player... |
 |
Big Moss Augusta Putting Green - 4 x 12 Feet by Big Moss The Big Moss Augusta Putting Green is a 4' x 12' premium putting and chipping green. Perfect for home and office use, it offers unmatched versatility for teaching and year-round practice. It rolls like a freshly-cut bent grass putting green with a True-Roll downgrain built right in. It is completely portable and sets up in minutes without tools. Break Snakes provide unlimited contours that you can create. Make putting fun and exciting, anywhere you go. Compete with family and friends of all ages and improve your game while enjoying yourself. |
 |
ProActive Sports Pro-Circuit Putt Return System by ProActive Sports ProActive Sports Pro-Circuit Putt Return System: Patent pending track and diverter system returns ball to where you putted from Returns missed and made putts Top quality putting surface, lays flat, won't unravel Adjustable to 3', 6', or 9' Built-in putter stand and backstop Regulation cup size Works for left-handers too 120 volt, no batteries required |
 |
Expand-A-Green Indoor Putting Green by Brookstone Practice your putt anytime, anywhere with the pro-quality Expand-A-Green Indoor Putting Green. 10 modular, interlocking panels let you create a huge indoor putting area in your living room, office or even on the patio. More than 3' wide and 8' long, the Expand-A-Green includes 2 recessed cups (regulation size), 2 flagsticks and multiple pin locations, so you can vary your practice. Easily expandable just purchase additional kits to expand your green to any size or shape room! Pro-quality indoor putting green is designed for indoor or outdoor use, and is made to last. Weather-resistant material lets you set up your green indoors or out on the patio or deck. Thick foam backing is plush, comfortable and stable enough to walk on. The surface delivers country club speed approximately 8 on a... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |