Moisture Levels & Soil Temperatures

Readings were taken over four greens today and the average results overall were:

Average Moisture Content = 32%

Average Soil Temperature = 2.4 degrees

Moisture readings are excellent considering recent weather. During the summer, moisture content levels are maintained between a target of 20-30%. This shows how successful and beneficial greens maintenance is (aeration), for keeping the ground free draining and relatively dry in wet conditions. Which results in better performing greens during the winter months.

Ground temperatures are low as expected and this highlights why there is no growth. It will take many weeks or warm weather to warm the soil for growth.

Arctic Fertilisation

In anticipation of forecasts quoting temperature increases, the opportunity to get some much needed feed to the greens and aprons was taken. But we never expected to be doing it in arctic conditions.

Soil Temperatures

A simple explanation as to why their has not been any growth.

Soil temperatures are just to low.

Soil Temperatures have not increased above a maximum of 7-8 degrees since the turn of the year

Unchartered Territory

We are currently in unchartered territory a bit now because we have a very dormant grass plant.
Soil temperatures are lower than they have been in recent memory (coldest Easter on record), and therefore it'll take some time for growth to commence. Recovery from winter damage and germination from any soil and seeding will not be as quick as expected. We are probably a good 4-6 weeks behind on a avearge year for soil temperature increases and ideal conditions for recovery from winter.

Trolley Bans? or Traffic Control?

Are trolley lines (traffic control measures) successful at protecting the fine turf playing areas?

Or should complete bans be considered?

Its your course - help look after it

Trolleys lines across apron in a frost

Trolleys lines greenside of the bunker and across the apron

 

More Trolley marks across the apron

Trolleys marks clearly crossing the line to the green

Its your Course!!!

Help look after it

This picture was taken of the 18th Green following the Easter Weekend.

12 pitchmarks in a contained area of 2sqm

Who would leave this for others?

This picture of two divots is from the 17th new tee which isn't in play yet?

Opportunity Knocks - Roll away

For the first time since last Tuesday their has not been a morning frost on the greens. So when the opportunity presented itself over the bank holiday weekend; it was rollers at the ready and off we go!