Buffalo Grove, Ill. - The new USGA recommendations for a method of putting green construction now include inorganic amendments that meet specific requirements. Profile Porous Ceramics, a leading inorganic soil amendment, meets these requirements.
Prior to its recent revisions to recommendations for a method of putting green construction, the USGA recommended only organic materials for use in greens mix. Those recommendations now include only inorganic materials that meet particle size and performance criteria, which Profile Porous Ceramic does.
Profile particles are 74 percent porous and have an ideal balance of water and air pore space that promote a healthy root zone. Tests have shown that Profile enhances the ability of the greens mix to retain water and nutrients while increasing infiltration rates to allow for proper drainage. A Profile/sand mix meets the USGA's recommended saturated hydraulic conductivity of a minimum of six inches per hour. In addition, Profile's particle sizing falls within the medium to coarse particle range of the USGA Guideline, which is .5mm to .25mm.
Introduced to the market in 1992, Profile is designed to promote a uniform and consistent greens mix. Profile is a very stable material, only 2.8% degradation in 20 years, so a Profile mix will not break down over time. Performance will remain consistent and with proper maintenance practices, the mix should never require replacement.
"We are excited that the USGA Recommendations now include the use of very select inorganic soil amendments," said John Schoch, president of Profile Products. "We have long shared the same goal with USGA, and that is to ensure superintendents and owners achieve the best greens possible. Limiting the types of approved amendments based on stringent performance criteria supports our commitment. We hope this helps more superintendents and owners understand that Profile Products shares those same high standards, and see Profile as a desirable soil amendment option for USGA greens as thousands have already discovered."
During the past 12 years, more than 3,000 golf courses throughout the world have used Profile Porous Ceramic in their greens mix during construction or renovation, or in their top dressing mix. Courses that have incorporated Profile include Bay Hill Club in Orlando, Fla.; FarmLinks in Sylacauga, Ala.; and The Signature Club in Virginia Beach, Va.
Through research and testing, Profile has continuously worked with the industry to identify and analyze the characteristics and benefits of Porous Ceramic as an inorganic amendment. Profile's goal is to advance solutions in enhancing healthy root zones and promoting the long-term health of greens.
For more information about Profile, call (800) 207-6457 or visit www.profileproducts.com