Unless golf course superintendents plan to rid their facilities of golf cars, maintenance vehicles, golfers and anything else that puts weight on the ground, soil compaction is bound to occur. Fortunately, there are several techniques that can be used to alleviate this problem, including deep tine aerification.
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Research has shown the benefits of deep tine aerification to decrease soil compaction in heavily compacted areas. And to further this important research, FarmLinks announces a new partnership with Soil Reliever as part of the interactive “On the Course” (OTC) tour. With the Soil Reliever deep tine aerification system now in use on the course, FarmLinks can study the benefits of using the system, and superintendents can see firsthand the Soil Reliever’s deep-spading action as it fractures the soil into small particles, instantly relieving pressure-packed soil.
“Deep tine aeration is vital to maintaining high quality turf,” says Mark Langner, FarmLinks’ director of agronomy and applied research. “As an industry, we’ve abandoned the practice over the last couple years. But I think it will ultimately be the difference in a turfgrass systems’ longevity.”
Tests have already shown that incorporating deep tine aerification into a conventional aerification program will solve compaction and infiltration problems on all surfaces. In addition, high-traffic areas benefit from bimonthly deep tine applications throughout the growing season.
Currently, FarmLinks is incorporating three deep tine aerifications a year on greens using a 1/4" solid tine. “We’re also using the 3/4" solid tine four times a year on high-traffic areas, and twice a year on fairways,” Langner explained. “The surface disruption is minimal, and within a week the aerification holes aren’t visible. We have also begun an aggressive program on our Kentucky bluegrass to help break through the clay and increase the chances of the grass surviving our hot, humid Alabama summers.”