Greens Aeration and Topdressing
 

What is aeration?

This is the method of turf cultivation in which hollow tines remove soil cores.

Why is aeration necessary?

It is done to improve soil aeration and soil water conditions. Soil aeration is a process that replaces oxygen in the soil. For soil to be well aerated, oxygen must be replaced in sufficient quantities to maintain plant growth. Compaction and flooding are two conditions that cause poorly aerated soils. These conditions produce soil that has poor infiltration, poor percolation rate, poor fertilizer response and low soil oxygen content. Symptoms of a compaction problem include (i) lack of rooting, (ii) thinning of the turf, (iii) reduced rate of water infiltration to the soil.

What is topdressing?

A prepared soil mix is applied to the turf surface and usually physically worked in by matting, raking and /or irrigating to a smooth surface.

Why is topdressing necessary?

Topdressing is the most effective practice available for biologically controlling thatch on greens. The purpose of topdressing is mainly to restore health to weak turf and also to smooth the surface by filling in pitch marks and other scars or blemishes.

How do greens benefit from aeration?

1.     Increased infiltration capacity

2.      Stimulated root growth

3.      Increased shoot growth atop the hole

4.     Decreased thatch accumulation

5.      Increased ability of fertilizer to penetrate the soil

6.      Algae control

What are the consequences of not aerating?

If this process is not carried out at least once a year the following problems would arise:  (i) Soil becomes compacted, (ii) Roots can no longer breathe, (iii) Grass becomes thin and could eventually wither and die.

Repeated foot traffic compresses the soil, closes up the pore spaces and forms a crust that shuts off the movement of water and air. Greens are then susceptible to summer stress or winter injury.