Peak performance from putting greens and the role of organic matter

These slides were used for a seminar at Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club organized by Nutranta Inc.

I explained how organic matter in the soil is affected by growth and by maintenance techniques. I also showed how organic matter in soil is measured using standard methods. I suggested that measurement of organic matter by loss on ignition from undisturbed samples may be a useful measurement for assessment and adjustment of the maintenance work.

Transcript

1. Peak performance from putting greens and the role of organic matter Micah Woods November 20, 2018 Chief Scientist Asian Turfgrass Center www.asianturfgrass.com
2. What do we want? • 100% grass cover • some expectation of that continuing • ball roll • ball bounce
3. Management of organic matter Increase growth & OM • fertilizer (N) • irrigation Reduce OM • sand topdressing • core aerification • solid tine aerification • verticutting
4. Too much surface organic matter
20. Recommended approach Check surface zone (0 to 20 mm) organic matter once a year Then, compare the OM change to: • annual N rate • annual sand topdressing amount • annual aerification impact
21. Next level: annual audit
22. For more, please see www.asianturfgrass.com.