Greens Aeration

Why do we aerate?

Listed below are a number of important reasons why we aerate, especially on the putting greens:

1. Control and removal of organic matter (thatch).

2. To create conditions that encourage healthy bacterial activity.

3. Promote the development of deeper rooting grasses.

4. Improve the rate that water percolates through the soil profile.
5. Relieve soil compaction.

Our programme of aeration throughout the year using a combination of verti-draining, slit tinning and hollow coring - using both 6mm and 12mm diameter tines, is designed, primarily to reduce the excessive amount of organic matter in the greens and to help combat compaction.

Hollow Coring

Organic matter or thatch is simply a build up of dead or decaying grass leaves and stems in the turf. On a number of greens at Murrayfield this layer is still considered excessive and this condition:

1. Limits new root growth

2. Increases disease

3. Produces soft and slow putting surfaces

4. Means that excessive amounts of water are held near the turf surface

5. Causes slow warm up of the soil in the spring, which inhibits growth

Without doubt, aeration, combined with applying sand top dressing is the best way to dilute the existing thatch layer and prevent further build up of thatch.

It must also be remembered that aeration (oxygen), helps stimulate healthy soil bacteria and fungi, which feeds on and breaks down the organic/thatch layer in the turf.

Last summer we aerated on a regular basis with 6mm diameter needle tines, using such a slim diameter tine meant that recovery to the putting surface could be measured in days rather than weeks, this practice will continue this summer.

Top Dressing With Sand

The policy of aerating and applying sand top dressing throughout the summer months, means that the more disruptive hollow coring operation can be limited to early autumn rather than twice yearly.

Ultimate benefits of this management practice

1. Firmer putting surfaces

2. Better surface drainage

3. Increased playability

4. Reduced disease

5. More greens speed

6. More sustainable greens

Remember, aeration is performed for the health of the grass, and ultimately, the playability of the greens.