A continuous improvement system for turfgrass

These are the slides I used for a presentation in Cavite, Philippines.

Regular measurement of soil nutrients and soil organic matter content allows turfgrass managers to adjust the nutrient supply and the organic matter management—sand topdressing, cultivation, and verticutting. These adjustments, when implemented, cause two inevitable results. One is improved turfgrass conditions. This comes from eliminating nutrient deficiencies, supplying the turf with all the nutrients required, and adjusting the soil organic matter for improved playability. The second inevitable result is improved work efficiency. Applying nutrients and sand and thatch control treatments only when there is a confirmed requirement for them elimates wasted applications and unnecessary work. Basing the work on regular measurements will also identify when extra work or applications are required. These inevitable consequences result in a continuous improvement system for turfgrass management.

I should note that the inevitable results of improved conditions and better efficiency only happen when one interprets the measurements correctly. I, of course, discussed how to make an optimal interpretation of results in the seminar.

Transcript

1. A continuous improvement system for turfgrass Micah Woods November 20, 2019 Nutranta’s Best Practices Seminar Chief Scientist Asian Turfgrass Center www.asianturfgrass.com
2. Anvaya Cove, Bataan
3. Continuous improvement system 1. Measure soil nutrients, then adjust
4. Continuous improvement system 1. Measure soil nutrients, then adjust 2. Measure soil organic matter, then adjust
5. Continuous improvement system 1. Measure soil nutrients, then adjust 2. Measure soil organic matter, then adjust 3. Measure surface performance, then adjust
6. Measure soil nutrients, then adjust
7. decreasing levels of soil K
8. ATC 南店
9. ATC 南店
10. ATC 南店
11. ATC 南店
12. ATC 南店
13. ATC 南店
14. Let’s have a look at soil test phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) for a 7 year sequence. First, the soil P …
17. Results 1. You apply the correct fertilizer.
18. Results 1. You apply the correct fertilizer. 2. The grass is supplied with all the nutrients it can use.
19. Results 1. You apply the correct fertilizer. 2. The grass is supplied with all the nutrients it can use. 3. Unnecessary fertilizer applications are eliminated.
20. Results 1. You apply the correct fertilizer. 2. The grass is supplied with all the nutrients it can use. 3. Unnecessary fertilizer applications are eliminated. 4. Reduced risk of N & P pollution.
21. Keya GC, Fukuoka
22. Keya GC, Fukuoka
23. Measure soil organic matter
25. Keya GC, Fukuoka
26. Fuji Classic GC, Yamanashi
27. slo mo ball bounce
28. Keya GC, Fukuoka
29. Bangsai CC, Thailand
30. Bangsai CC, Thailand
31. at Brookside Labs, Ohio
36. Measure surface performance
37. in the USGA Green Section Record, November 2019
38. Recommend records of … Key performance indicators • Green speed • Clipping volume Cultural inputs & conditions • Nitrogen applications • Sand topdressing applications • Growth regulator applications • Daily high & low temperature • Daily precipitation Surface maintenance practices • Mowing height • Mowing frequency • Vertical mowing • Grooming • Brushing • Rolling
39. Keya GC, Fukuoka
40. Keya GC, Fukuoka
43. Keya GC, Fukuoka
44. Keya GC, Fukuoka
45. Continuous improvement system 1. Measure soil nutrients, then adjust 2. Measure soil organic matter, then adjust 3. Measure surface performance, then adjust
46. www.asianturfgrass.com