GREEN

This segment continues our series into the Soil Test Report from Green profile. The assessment is designed to evaluate the proposed and existing sand from a performance perspective, as well as the impact on the agronomics of the putting green.

In the month of April, the West and East Course green soil samples were sent to the laboratories in the United States. Evaluating the nutrient status of our soil is an important step in developing a quality turf. The best way to find out what our soil needs to nourish healthy turf. The best way to find out what our soil needs to nourish healthy turf is to have it tested. Most soil testing labs recommend that we check the status of our soil two to three times a year.

Management strategies to achieve these objectives:

• Soil Analysis – Exchangeable Test Result

The first test will give us the exchangeable nutrients in parts per million - plus, it gives us the percent base saturation (PBS) of Potassium, Magensium, Calcium (Ca), Natrium (Na) and Hydrogen (H). It also shows the Organic Matter Content, pH, the Ca/Mg relation, Soluble Salts and Cation Exchange (CEC).

• Soil Analysis – Water Exchangeable Test Results

The second test gives us the actual volume of each nutrient that the plant can uptake through the root system. These are the nutrients that the plant can 'drink', and reflects exactly water soluble parts. It also indicates the types of soil we are working with, if it drains or if could have some barriers or other problems. The EC conductivity shows us the salt index in the water solution. Bicarbonates are also shown here and give us indications of lock ups of Calcium (Ca). The Nitrogen is tested for content level of both Ammonium (NH4) and Nitrate (NO3), which will reflect the internal balance of the two and also the overall relation to other nutrients.

• Evaluation from Combined Test Results

With both these tests, we are able to present an evaluation which takes into account all major and minor nutrients with regard to both physical and chemical interrelations. It is a very complex and sophisticated method, but it is a good tool for the course superintendent. We are now able to present a picture that reflects all the results that will give us better control.

TEE BOXES

Tee box activities such as verticutting, aeration, top dressing and fertilizing are carried out on a monthly basis. Tee box soil samples have also been sent to the US laboratories to get an update on the nutrients status.

FAIRWAYS

Fairway verticutting and top dressing were the major activities in the months of May and June. Thatch and unwanted material have been removed to aid water movement. Fairways should be firm and tight after this activity.

ROUGH

Removal of Bermuda on the roughs is done on an ongoing basis. The height of cutting will also be gradually reduced from 80mm to 50mm to avoid lost balls and slow play for members.

BUNKERS

Colour is important from the aesthetic viewpoint. Sand colour is reported on wet and dry samples with the Munsell Colour Chart Book. Colour is typically reported with a number containing the hue, value, and chroma, followed by the colour name. Lighter coloured sands are often preferred because they provide a nice contrast with the turf. Colour is more of a personal selection, and the sand colour is often dependent on local availability more than performance criteria. To maintain high standards, our crew remove all the slits and debris that stick on the bunker sand surface and replace them with new sand.