Master Greenkeeper John Quinn is the author of Performance Bowling Greens, and several other titles on Greenkeeping, Club and Business Management.
In part 4 of our series on the Performance Evaluation of the Bowling Green we move on to examining turf texture. Texture is closely tied in to some of the other aspects of Bowling Green Performance we have looked at so far in this series. Texture is one aspect of turf management that the greenkeeper can influence greatly, but seems so simple that it is often overlooked.
Compost tea is a specially home brewed spray that will boost the microbe population in your bowling green, allowing you to encourage the finer grasses and combat dry patch, disease and thatch, naturally and effectively.
After studying this subject I can say that compost tea is an essential addition to the Performance Bowling Greens Program. Regular use of compost tea can significantly boost soil microbial activity and helps to make better use of fertiliser inputs. Correct formulation of the mixture during brewing will increase the dominance of the fine perennial grasses in the green sward.
By using compost teas, greenkeepers can reverse decades of damage caused by inorganic fertilisers, pesticides and excessive sand top-dressing.
The plant uses a process called Respiration to drive growth and development. In much the same way that we respire, i.e. burning food to grow, develop and keep our bodies healthy, plants burn the food created by photosynthesis to fuel growth and to build and repair all of the component parts of the plant.
Order this simple test to find out if your green is beyond Peak Sand. This is my description for a green that is now lacking in life due to years of excessive sand top-dressings. It's a cutting edge, but very simple Soil Analysis specifically designed for bowling club greenkeepers who feel they could be doing better, but something unknown is holding their green back. With our unique service, you can now identify the root cause of your greenkeeping problems and receive a tailored plan to improve your green's health and performance.
The Introduction to Turfgrass Science course in the Bowls Central Academy has a new unit called Turfgrass Physiology an introduction
The unit covers the main physiological processes used by grass plants to grow and thrive and explains how these interacts. Explore this fascinating subject now and get a better understanding of what you can do to maximise turf health and green performance.
The lesson finished with a tricky little quiz to test your understanding of Turfgrass Physiology
The Unit is available now in the Academy.
Members will find it under the Course link in the My Account area.
