A Simple Way to Illustrate Health of Soils in Sandy Golf Course Greens

Abstract

Sandy soils may be low in organic matter, lack water and nutrient-holding capacity, or have compacted sand based rootzones, but that is not true for sandy golf greens. Cultural practices including hollow tine core aerification, vertical mowing, and topdressing improve soil moisture and air exchange throughout the soil profile and improve the soil microbial population and activity. Microbial activity was practically demonstrated by burying 100% cotton underwear in several locations throughout northeast Mississippi and observing the degradation of the underwear after 90 days. The locations included a cotton field composed of sandy loam soil, a golf fairway and rough composed of a clay loam soil, an 18-month-old USGA specification green, 12-year-old USGA specification green, and a 30-year-old push-up green. The pH levels across the sites were similar. Upon recovery, underwear located in the 12-year-old USGA spec green and the 30-year-old push-up green were the most deteriorated, weighing about 38% of their initial weight. The remaining weight was largely from the elastic portion of the underwear, which accounts for 20% of total weight. This technique demonstrated a simple approach to visualize and inform environmental managers of the effect of cultural practices on soil microbial activity.