Week of July 24 - Extremes
- matthewbehl
- Jul 29, 2023
- 3 min read
I have been superintendent of a golf course for approximately 24 years now and have worked in the industry my entire career. If I had to rate this season thus far, I would put this season as the most challenging and stressful one yet. Second place would be a toss up between last year and the season of 2000. The past two seasons have featured "extremes". Last year featured unprecedented drought that hasn't been seen in this area for over 30 years. This year excessive moisture has been falling now for over two months with oppressive humidity between rainfalls . Over the course of my career, there has never been a June or July period where I haven't run a full irrigation cycle on fairways. Other then popping on a irrigation head here or there this has been the case since May.
A statement, I always make to my crew when watering especially the greens is "it is very easy to add water, but impossible to take if off". We have been living with the impossible to take it off scenario for over two months now. These conditions creates an anaerobic environment that leads to both root and plant decline. It also opens the plant up to a host of disease and environmental stresses. Basically the plant and the agronomy team have been battling these conditions now for over two months. A stressful situation for the plant and the agronomy team.
In these "extreme" year's any deficiencies your golf course might have are highlighted. I recently completed an ISTRC test to greens. An ISTRC test shows the physical properties of your greens in a variety of categories. This was the first ISTRC test done since June of my first season at Ipswich.. The recent tests show good improvement in infiltration, a drop in organic matter, and a drop in water holding capacity. All good signs and movement in the right direction for aging USGA greens. Organic matter and water holding are still slightly on the high side. The ISTRC test and this season with it's "extremes" has highlighted the fact that more work is needed in those areas. Some changes will be made to our cultural practices moving forward.
The "extreme" season and very high humidity has also highlighted the fact we have some air flow restrictions and shade issues. The last major tree work to greens here was done approximately 20 years ago before the reconstruction of the greens. This season has highlighted many areas we need to increase air flow and reduce shade with an emphasis on morning light.
Above is a picture of the 7th green, I can guarantee you 20 years ago at 9 am that green was in full sun. The agronomy team was already in process of putting together a 5 year plan to address the air flow and shade issues. This season with it's "extremes" has really shown the importance of implementing this plan.
Below are pictures of the never ending venting process that has been occurring to greens since the start of June. These tiny holes allow the greens to "breath". Gases get expelled through the open holes which also allows fresh air in. The holes also allow the greens to dry out better, but will also allow water into the soil profile easier when rainfall occurs or the need for irrigation returns.
Venting will continue over the next couple of weeks and right up to greens aeration.
As I write this weeks blog we are sitting in another day of high humidity with possible storms on the way. After this passes, it appears we might be entering a period of good growing weather. Finger crossed that this occurs as the plants definitely need a break.
Another observation made this week is how quickly we have begun to lose daylight especially in the mornings. We have entered that time of year when my first look of the golf course now requires headlights. The turf and agronomy team will soon be enjoying longer and cooler nights.
