Test products

Turf grass is a living, breathing, evolving entity. There is no one way to manage and no one tactic that solves everything. There have been some best practices developed that lead to healthier turf grass, but no recipe for perfect turf. Therefore, we are constantly looking for new and different ways of maintaining the grass. Likewise, we are always looking for new and better products to use on the turf grass. There is no better way to see how a product might help us than to use it in the field. This year we are testing several different products.

We strive to improve the conditions of the turf grass every day, week, month, and year. We also look for ways to be more efficient and more environmentally sustainable. Similarly, the entire turf grass product research and development industry is looking for ways to be more environmentally sound as well. Since Bermuda grass covers a large majority of our playing surfaces, we are testing several new products on the Bermuda grass this year. We are currently running a test on the Bermuda soccer field, tees, #15 fairway, and #18 fairway. We are also testing a new product on #9 green. Most of our testing started in May and runs through at least August or September, so results are not in yet, but we will monitor throughout the season.

Four of the products are natural bio-stimulants. This means that they are derived from natural sources and are supposed to enable the plant (our turf grass) to defend itself better against stress, pests, and other factors. These products are seaweed derivatives. Each of them is slightly different and claims to help in slightly different ways, but with the ultimate goal of making the plant stronger from the inside.

We are also testing one product that contains beneficial soil microbes. The idea behind this product is that it improves the soil beneath the turf. The product increases the population of microbes that help to release nutrients that are bound up in the soil, improves soil structure and texture, and naturally fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere, which is then available to the plant.

So, we do apply pesticides to the turf grass. However, we do consciously select what to spray, when to spray and evaluate the chemicals effectiveness constantly. We also test new products that may give us better results and have a lesser impact on the environment.

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

In addition to repairing your own ball mark on every green, please repair at least one other as well.

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org