Master Greenkeeper John Quinn is the author of Performance Bowling Greens, and several other titles on Greenkeeping, Club and Business Management.
As standard soil analysis offerings are generally obsessed with chemistry, a very low pH is often interpreted as a chemical imbalance, which, of course, it is. The question of why those acid cations are dominant on the soil colloid, remains unaddressed in most cases. Instead it seems that many advisers are jumping straight to the temporary, artificial correction advice to add lime, and as we have seen, for fine turf, that can be dangerous advice.
Review your Bowls Central Soil Analysis Service experience and you could win a Soil Sampler
I have an online academy, hundreds of guides and I give unlimited free advice to anyone who’s prepared to put in the work. I’ve helped hundreds of volunteers, qualified and amateur greenkeepers, many starting from scratch, to achieve greens they never thought possible, and to gain the pride that comes with real skill and knowledge.
But lately I’m seeing more of a different kind of enquiry:
Your feedback helps fellow greenkeepers make informed choices — and it helps me continue to support the return to natural, chemical-free greenkeeping across the UK and beyond.
Here’s the bonus: every product review you leave enters you into my monthly prize draw to win a 1-litre bottle of BioActive Yucca — the top-selling natural wetting agent trusted by clubs nationwide.
That’s it — you’re automatically entered!
Why BioActive Yucca?
✔️ Breaks down hydrophobic soils naturally
✔️ Helps your green make the most of rainfall
✔️ Supports soil microbes, no chemicals and Certified Organic
✔️ £74.22 value — yours for free if you win
Thanks as always for supporting Bowls Central — and for championing natural greenkeeping.
Best regards,
John Quinn
www.bowls-central.co.uk
Winner will be announced on 1st September 2025. Look out for the September Prize Draw towards the end of August
Cure Localised Dry Patch on Greens with this step by step guide to dealing with hydrophobic soil in bowls greens.
