The Importance of Soil Microorganisms

The soils under turfgrass can vary considerably in both their physical and chemical composition. However, most contain a vast array of living organisms, ranging from larger creatures such as earthworms and insects, to microscopic bacteria and fungi. All of these organisms affect turfgrass health in important ways.
Microorganisms occur in turfgrass soils in extremely high populations making soils one of the most dynamic sites of biological activity in nature. It is probably safe to say that more biodiversity exists among the microorganisms in an ounce of soil than in the entire Amazon rain forest. This diversity is important in the maintenance decisions of the golf course. Microbial activities are often lower and certainly are different in sandy soils or those that have been treated with pesticides.
It is because of this that it is important for the Superintendent to make wise and informed decisions regarding pesticide use. When the use of pesticides is unavoidable it is helpful to make a follow up application of organic products which are beneficial to soil microorganisms (humic acid, kelp etc) to help maintain a healthy soil for the turf. When turf management practices have a positive effect on microbial populations, we often see improved turf vigor, stress tolerance and pest tolerance. Soil microorganisms are usually good competitors with plant pathogens and, therefore, can minimize damage from plant damaging fungi which in turn helps to limit or at least minimize the use of Fungicides. Bacteria are also important in organic-matter degradation. These organisms play a key role in maintaining the delicate balance between thatch accumulation and degradation.
The challenge to the turfgrass manager is to become an expert not only in the management of what everyone can see above ground, but in the management of beneficial soil microorganisms to maximize turfgrass health. In general, all practices that promote a vigorous, healthy turf stand will also maintain high levels of microbial activity.
The plant nutrition program used at Settlers’ Ghost is designed with both turf and soil health in mind.

Plant Biostimulants

Obtaining the "Strongest Turf "comes from having the correct balance of the physical, chemical and biological elements all working together. Plant biostimulants are a valuable tool to the Golf Course Superintendent. These products-including kelp extracts, beneficial soil bacteria and humus as well as composted animal and plant materials-are among the most studied, data-extensive materials available for turf health management.
A biostimulant/soil amendment is a class of soil- and plant-growth-enhancing products that can:
* Enhance root and shoot development.
* Improve soil texture and structure.
* Increase the availability of macro- and micronutrients.
* Improve a plant's ability to recover from disease and insect damage.
* Enhance a plant's resistance to environmental stresses, such as heat, drought and high traffic.
* Improve the efficiency of any fertility program.
* Reduce the effects of pH and soil particle imbalances.
Biostimulants, in their raw form, have been used agronomically for hundreds of years. Native American Indians worked fish and composted plant and animal materials into their soils. Broken down into their components, these organic substances contain humus, amino acids, proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates and sugars, all materials that enhance the active biomass in the root zone and improve plant vitality. Because the overuse of chemical pesticides and fertilizers can negatively impact soil productivity, horticulturists now look to organic compounds to bring soils back into balance, improve plant health, and reduce the need for chemical intervention thus making biostimulants an important tool in the Settlers’ Ghost I.P.M program.

---

Value of Verticutting

Why Verticut

Golf course superintendents have no magic bullet at their disposal for their ongoing battle to maintain the best turfgrass conditions possible. But one of the best weapons superintendents have in their arsenal is verticutting, a process that has gained popularity and now is common throughout the country for all types of turfgrass.
Verticutting is the thinning of turfgrass by blades or wire tines that cut perpendicularly to the soil in a shallow swath or a deep cut. Both methods can promote lateral and vertical grass growth. Yet, a deeper cut removes more material to allow moisture and oxygen to reach the root zone more easily.
Verticutting is an important turf management tool to reduce thatch. Thatch ties up chemicals and fertilizers and reduces efficacy, making it difficult to move water into the soil profile. Verticutting helps alleviate those problems.
Also, verticutting is useful on courses that have newer turfgrass varieties that might tend to form thatch quicker than traditional varieties.
 Many of the new bentgrasses  are extremely aggressive and require a lot of cultivation.
We verticut our greens to enhance a more vertical growth habit. Regular verticutting stimulates branching and tightens the turf.”

Why Aerification is Crucial

Why Aerify?
It's a perfect sunny morning and it is that time of year again. This is the time when area courses begin their summer "maintenance" programs a.k.a. aerification. Every year we aerify looking to achieve good, quality putting condition in the season. Consider that aerification is merely a short-term disruption that has long-term benefits for the course. When you see them, remember that without those little holes, the greens would eventually die.

Like so things, the quality of good putting greens is more that skin deep. In fact the condition of a green has a lot to do with what goes on below the surface. In order to keep grass growing at 1/8 inch you have to have deep, healthy roots. Good roots demand oxygen. In good soil they get the oxygen from tiny pockets of air trapped between soil and particles. Over time, the traffic from golfers' feet (as well as heavy mowing equipment) tends to compact the soil under the putting green. When soil becomes compacted, the air pockets on which the roots depend on are crushed and the roots are essentially left gasping for air. Without oxygen the grass plants will wither and die.

Aerification is a mechanical process that creates more air space in the soil and promotes deeper rooting thus helping the grass plants stay healthy. In most cases it's done by removing various size cores (those plugs you sometimes see near a green or in fairways) The spaces are then filled with sand "topdressing" that helps the soil retain air space and makes it easier for roots to grow downward. The bottom line is that aerification is a necessary practice to have healthy greens.

Thank You
Greens Staff

Frost Delays

Why?

The Staff at Settlers thought we should post some information on frost and frost delays.  No one likes frost delays - maintenance workers especially - but they are necessary for the health of the course.  Golf course employees ask for your understanding during frost delays.  We don't like them either.

Here are some key points from the Golf Course Superintendent Association:

• Frost is basically frozen dew that has crystallized on the grass, making it hard and brittle. A grass blade is actually 90 percent water, therefore it also freezes.
• Walking on frost-covered greens causes the plant to break and cell walls to rupture, thereby losing its ability to function normally.
• When damaged, the putting surface weakens and becomes more susceptible to disease and weeds.
• One foursome can leave several hundred footprints on each green, causing extensive damage.
• A short delay while the frost melts can preserve the quality of the greens and prevent needless repairs.