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Golf Courses
 A common problem in all turf areas is exposure to the elements of weathering and compaction from people and machines. The severity of a particular problem will vary according to the regional weather patterns, and agronomic and related management practices on a particular turf area. In most cases it is not practical to keep the players or equipment off turf areas when weather conditions are
undesirable and soil conditions are conducive to compaction.
We know that compaction is the most important factor that limits healthy turf
because of its effect on root growth, pore space, water movement and water holding capacity of a soil. The soil is no longer what nature originally gave us.
Regardless of where you are, there are certain
factors that are necessary to your business
of turf management. All would agree
that first you must have a fertile soil to
grow turf grass. There are three other factors
that must be present before plant
growth can be profitable on that fertile soil.
We know that 95% of what affects the
growth of a plant is light, water, and air
and only 5% is fertilizers, so the effectiveness
of the fertilizer (which is the largest
out of pocket expense) is controlled by the
95%. Water movement is the primary vehicle
used to pull oxygen into the soil profile.
When we alleviate the compaction and
allow greater water percolation, we automatically
increase the amount of air
brought into the rootzone.
Q. What advantages does the AerWay have
over conventional coreaerifying?
Ans. There are several advantages
that the AerWay machine
will provide.
- The engineering and design
of the AerWay tine creates a
shattering or fracturing effect
that relieves compaction
between the holes without
glazing the side walls. This
enhances water and air movement.
Conventional core aerification
methods have a builtin
glazing effect that restricts
lateral water and air movement.
- The AerWay creates more
pore space and leaves a larger
cavity under the surface for
root development. Research
data shows the AerWay to
improve deep root development
120% over the control.
The solid coring aerator
reduced deep rooting by 15%.
The AerWay did this without
increasing water losses from
evaporation.
Q. How can that happen?
Ans. Because the shattering
action allows the slit to fill back with loose
soil and the first mowing closes the top of
the soil to control moisture
loss.
Q. How does this improve water and air
movement?
Ans. By relieving compaction and loosening
the top 7” of soil, we create more pore
spaces and increase the water holding
capacity of the soil. The primary functions
of the downward movement of water in a
soil profile is to draw in the oxygen and air.
With core aerifying, you have two open
holes and the atmospheric pressure is the
same in both holes, you cannot get air to
move into the soil between the two holes.
#1. We can relieve compaction in the
top 7” allowing increased light,
water and air movement without
creating a big mess on the surface.
#2. The initial investment is about half the
cost of conventional coring type
equipment and the cost of maintenance
per acre is about 46% less than
for coring type equipment.
Q. How does the light, water and air
movement affect the “Anaerobic” black
layer?
Ans. The black layer cannot exist in the
presence of air. So by relieving compaction,
we improve the percolation of
water into the top 6 to 8”. With the downward
movement of the water, we automatically
and hydraulically draw oxygen and
air through the black layer which creates
an aerobic environment that is not conducive
to black layer formation.
Q. Does the AerWay help eliminate
thatch?
Ans. Yes. Because of the AerWay
method of cultivation, we improve the
light, water and air balance making it
more desirable for liming and fertilizer
corrections to be made more efficiently.
This allows for a higher level of activity of
the soil microorganisms that control thatch
build up, (such as earth worms, desirable
soil bacteria).
Q. Can I use the AerWay as a tool
to overseed?
Ans. The AerWay is a valuable tool in
improving and overseeding turf grass.
It can be used to revitalize established turf
or adjusted to prepare a seed bed in a bare
area where turf is non existent.
Q. How does the use of the AerWay
affect chemical use?
Ans. - By using the AerWay, you’ll be
speeding up the breakdown of toxic
levels of chemicals used in the past.
- By venting, shattering and fracturing
the soil surface prior to chemical
use, you’ll enhance the effectiveness of
the chemicals.
- Plants that are under stress are the most
susceptible to disease and insects. By
creating a better soil environment with
the AerWay and producing a healthier
plant, we’ve found we’re able to substantially
reduce chemical use.
- The AerWay creates a porous soil surface
that will accept chemicals more
rapidly and enhances the ability of the
operator to comply with regulations
concerning harmful run off into water
sources.
Q. When do I use the AerWay?
Ans. The most effective time to use
the AerWay is just after the Spring
rains and when early traffic has created
compaction. This prepares the soil surface
for efficient use of rainfall and irrigation
water during up coming heat stress
periods. Another good time to use the
AerWay is monthly on heavy traffic areas
such as cart paths, or fairways that have
heavy cart traffic. Then use the AerWay in
the fall to aerate for compaction and/or
overseeding.
Q. What can I expect to see the first
year?
Ans.
- Elimination of local dry spots
in irrigated areas.
- Reduced damaging effects of
dryness and wear in traffic areas.
- Reduced run off on steep slopes
that create wet areas at the bottoms.
- Reduction in water usage.
- Quick response and greater efficiency
of applied fertilizers and lime.
- You’ll be able to perform the
cultivating practices of loosening
up the soil without interfering
with play.
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Tuesday September 07, 2010
 Watch Golf Turf Video
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