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The AerWay Difference
Aeration, by definition, is the process of introducing air into the soil profile. Air is essential to microbial activity and, ultimately, to the health and vigor of all turfgrass. Air, by itself, will not enter the soil profile. It depends on an external medium to move it. In our environment, this external vehicle is water, which moves through the soil profile displacing carbon dioxide and pulling air into the vacuum created as it moves on down deeper into the earth. Turf managers are, therefore, challenged to manage their water. Water movement is dependent on its ability to enter the soil (infiltration) and move down and through the soil profile (percolation). Both of these must be established and maintained in an effective aeration program.
Compaction is the most common barrier to water movement. It is a physical problem
created by machinery (golf cars, mowers etc.), foot traffic, and even rain drops. Mechanical cultivation is the most common and best method used to manage it. The AerWay family of tines have been specifically designed and developed to provide the turf manager with a fast, effective, low cost and versatile aeration tool that can be used all season long without disrupting play.
The AerWay Shattertine uses a patented series of angles and offsets to break down compaction layers 7" and deeper. This establishes the percolation rate and recreates the capillary action of the natural soil profile. Water, and therefore air, is drawn into the whole soil profile. The loosened soil is also conducive to root elongation throughout its volume.
Once the percolation rates have been achieved, infiltration rates must be maintained. This is accomplished by controlling surface compaction, a process known as "venting". Use of the AerWay Sportstine and Finetine (depending on the application - sportstines for fairways/tees/playing fields and finetines for greens and approaches) will do this without disrupting the playing surface. It can be scheduled as often as necessary, every 2 to 3 weeks in most cases for maximum benefit. On average, 18 greens can be vented in about 3 hours, a typical par 4 fairway in about 1 hour or a playing field in less than ½ hour. Infiltration rates can also be affected by thatch (the intermingled layer of undecomposed organic material between the turf canopy and soil surface). Thatch, just like a thatch hut, is a barrier to water. The AerWay Super Finetine is a thatch management tool that can be used to open the thatch for water infiltration when there is no time for thatch removal (dethatching or coring treatment). It is fast and will not affect the play. When it's time for topdressing, oveseeding or dethatching, the AerWay coring tine can be used on the same frame as any of the other AerWay tines. The 3/4 " tine is 4" long and can be run at the same speed as the mowers.
The AerWay smoothing roller allows the user to vary the depth of venting - 4" to 6" deep when moisture is plentiful, and 2" to 4" during times of stress. Varying the depth of aeration each time prevents the formation of an artificial pan or barrier in the soil commonly associated with coring. This inhibits natural percolation and, over time, can result in the development of "black layer", an anaerobic zone that will destroy the roots of turf grass. Consistent, effective venting aeration is an essential factor in increasing and maintaining organic matter in the soil. This will result in a soil profile that is more resistant to compaction and favorable to healthy root development. Other benefits include a decrease in weed pressure lessening the need for chemical intervention and more efficient use of water and applied nutrients.
In summary, air in the soil profile is critical to maintaining healthy turf. The only way to get air into the soil is with water. The turf manager's challenge is to manage his water (infiltration and percolation) on a regular and consistent basis.
The AerWay difference - the ability to easily and effectively establish percolation rates, maintain infiltration rates, manage thatch, all without affecting playability, and using the same frame for preparing the soil for topdressing or overseeding.
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Friday July 30, 2010
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