A Fine Time to Deep Tine

As we prepare the course for the summer stress period we are utilizing a new deep tine machine that was purchased earlier this Spring.  The Redxim 7120 Verti-Drain can drive solid or hollow tines down to 8 inches deep.  We are using this machine on the fairways to relieve a hard pan that has developed at a 3 inch depth.  After aerating the fairways at a depth of 3 inches for the last 50 plus years it is not hard to imagine that a compaction layer has developed in the soil profile.  The same problem occurs in agriculture after a crop field is plowed for years at a 10 inch depth.  A hard pan develops in the soil profile at the bottom of the plowing depth.  This new machine allows us to break through that hard pan and shatter the soil profile at depth. We have the flexibility to set the depth anywhere from 1 to 8 inches. 

Deep tiner in use.  Turf behind the machine is ready for play

The process has very little impact on golf as it does not pull up any debris and creates very small holes.  The surface is basically playable immediately after the process is completed.  A very small half inch hole may be visible but for most golfers will go unnoticed.  After the fairway is mowed a couple of times the holes cannot be seen.  We set the machine to a depth of 4.5 inches to start with and over the next few years will continue to go deeper.  We are finding there are plenty of hard objects at the 4.5 inch depth and can only imagine what we will find once we are down to 7 or 8 inches!      

Holes made by half inch solid tines 4.5 inches deep

We will deep tine Fairways and Tees a couple of times during the season. Some Superintendents are using this machine on greens and we may test that out at some point in time.

Deep tining obviously helps break up and shatter compacted layers but there are other side benefits.  It allows water and air movement down into the root zone.  It also provides a great channel for new root growth to occur and promotes deep healthy root systems.

We are excited to have this piece of equipment in our "tool box" and to see the improvements it can make to our turf quality and turf root system.  The course is playing very well right now and is in good shape so come out and enjoy it.       

8 inch long deep tines used on fairways  

    

Rain, Rain and More Rain!

Lately it seems that the rain will just not end.  Over the last week from May 26 to June 2 we recorded over 7 inches of rain at our course weather station.  Some may believe that this is good for the turf but excessive rain can cause numerous issues for the turf plant and is an area of concern for Golf Course Superintendents.

Saturated soil conditions limit pore space for air and gas exchanges to occur in the root zone and roots need oxygen.  Some areas of the course have had standing water on them for the last week.  Bent grass suffers drastically when submerged for more than 24 hours and we are seeing some submerged areas turning yellow and thinning out after being underwater for almost an entire week.   

#1 fairway after .4 inches of rain in 20 minutes

Prolonged saturated soils also prevent the turf plant from developing a deep root system.  This may not result in immediate decline in plant health but when the summer stress period shows up in July and August plant health declines readily.  Root development occurs in the top 2-3 inches of the soil profile because plants have not had to put roots down to seek moisture.  The roots heat up very quickly in the top 2-3 inches as soil temperatures increase resulting in plant health decline and root die back.  This time of year we would usually water deep and infrequently to force the plants to develop deep root systems.  The current rains are exactly the opposite of this agronomic strategy. 

The other issue that is concerning is disease pressure.  Saturated soils along with higher soil temperature literally provide the perfect environment for disease development.  It is like Mother Natures petri dish!  You might ask, "Don't you spray for disease control?"  We do spray but getting the sprayer out on saturated soils can cause major damage to the turf due to rutting and ripping the turf right out of the ground.  Getting mowers, sprayers or any large equipment out on the course for any daily maintenance over the last week has become very challenging. 

As you can see the current situation regarding rain has created many concerns for the upcoming season and we have not even touched on current playability or the financial impacts it has on the Club.  We will do our best to manage our way through this situation and get the course back in shape.  Understand that the course is not drying out very well and getting carts out will take a few dry days and some time.  Unfortunately this weeks forecast is calling for more rain mid week.  Hopefully the forecasters are wrong.  Last year we could not buy a rain event and this year we could not pay to keep rain away!  Crazy....