Traffic Stress Effects on Bentgrass Putting Green and Fairway Turf

Abstract

Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) has received more study and use as golf course turf than velvet bentgrass (A. canina L.). The objective of two field trials, managed as putting green and fairway turf, was to evaluate the performance of creeping and velvet bentgrass in mixed swards with annual bluegrass (Poa annua var. reptans Hausskn.) when subjected to traffic stresses. The trials were initiated on a sandy loam (fine‐loamy, mixed, mesic Typic Hapludult). Wear (no‐wear and wear) and compaction (no‐compaction and compaction) were applied in a factorial combination to 15 creeping or velvet bentgrasses. Turf quality, turf density, and bentgrass populations of cultivars were more susceptible to wear stress than compaction. Velvet bentgrass performed and resisted the spread of annual bluegrass better than most creeping bentgrasses. Cultivars that formed denser turf performed well in both trials; ‘Vesper’, ‘7001’, and ‘Penn A‐4’ had the best overall performance. Interactions indicated ‘SR 7200’, ‘Penn G‐2’, and ‘Providence’ were susceptible to compaction. ‘Pennlinks’ and ‘Penncross’ were ineffective at maintaining desirable bentgrass populations particularly in the putting green trial. Management strategies that minimize wear damage may have a greater impact on turf quality and bentgrass populations in mixed stands than practices intended to manage compaction, particularly on well‐drained soil.

Comparative Evaluation of Common Savannah Grass on a Range of Soils Subjected to Different Stresses II: Root Zone Physical Condition

“…The main effects of grass type were also very significant (p = 0.05), with ZG recording the lowest BD value and BG the highest. Christians [5] noted that the leaves of ZG are stiff, due to their high silica content [42], which could buffer the compactive force applied to the surface [43]. Eudoxie et al [44] also reported that the type of turfgrass cover influenced the effects of compaction on the bulk density of the underlying root zone.…”

Surfactant and Polymer‐Coated Sand Effects on Deficit Irrigated Bermudagrass Turf

“…and topdressing has been a commonly applied maintenance practice not only on golf greens and tees but also on athletic fi elds and fairways (Kowalewski et al, 2010;Samaranayake et al, 2008). Th e benefi ts gained include thatch control, reduced disease incidence, increased surface fi rmness, improved playability, improved drainage and fewer earthworm castings (Baird, 2005;Henderson et al, 2010;Henderson and Miller, 2009).…”

Assessment of Changes in Sod Under Intensive Use

“…It increases sod elasticity, functions as a buffer against border temperatures, limits weeds and increases resistance of grasses to intensive use (McCarty et al, 2005). The size of sodding and occurring mat improve elasticity of ground, limit effect of pressing force (Samaranayake et al, 2008).…”