We have completed the green, approach, and tee aeration for
the fall season. The fall aeration is the single most important agronomic
process that we undertake at MGC as it removes a large amount of organic matter
that has built up over the season, introduces over 25 tons of sand into the
soil profile, and increases our oxygen exchange capacity providing for
healthier roots. This fall we chose to deep aerate the greens first, using 12
inch long ¾ inch wide tines to break the soil layers and create deep channels
for roots and water to move through the soil profile. The greens were then aerated
a second time using 5/8 coring tines at a very close spacing of 1.5 inches by
1.5 inches giving us over 10% surface disruption. This process is as aggressive
as it gets and is needed to gain ground on our infiltration rates, air
porosity, and water porosity.
We applied 250 pounds of Renovate Plus soil amendment to each
of the 2
nd, 5
th, and 6
th greens to aid in
recovery and moisture management.
Renovate Plus is
a blend of organic and mineral amendments including kelp meal, compost and
humic acids which make up a sustainable microbial food source of
short, medium and long chained carbons. The mineral fraction of
Renovate includes greensand, sul-po-mag, hard and soft rock phosphate, and
calcium. This combination prevents de-mineralization of the soil and
allows for roots to take up nutrients as needed, and is a great way to
provide a biological foundation to any soil by promoting soil flocculation
and turf recovery. Eco-Lite is the premier zeolite rock mineral mined
from an exceptionally clean zeolite mine and provides an array of physical
benefits including the highest CEC of all physical amendments. Zeolites
are very hard rock minerals that possess a crystalline structure and have
the capability to absorb water when the surrounding soil is wet, creating
better air movement in the soil and allowing for the controlled release
of this water when moisture levels in the soil fall.
The goal for the next 10 days is
to drive recovery as quick as possible by providing ample nutrients and water.
The greens will be mowed and rolled during afternoon dry conditions until all
of the sand has settled. We will then switch to our good greens mowers and
begin lowering the height of cut back to our normal setting. Thank you for your
patience during this important time of year.
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| 12 inch deep aeration - Fredco Golf |
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| Core Aeration Tight Spacing |
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| Afternoon dry rolling |
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