For golf course operators, the maintenance cost of golf course lawns is increasing day by day, which has become one of the most troublesome problems for operators. How to reduce the maintenance costs of golf course lawns has become a concern of every golf course practitioner. . This article will put forward 7 suggestions that can effectively reduce the cost of golf course lawn maintenance.
Course turf maintenance personnel often believe that golf course turf maintenance methods are not only complicated but also expensive. It is necessary to ensure that the lawn meets the requirements of the stadium standards, and at the same time, it is necessary to increase the number of golfers’ rounds and the stadium’s income. As a result, the maintenance cost of the golf course continues to rise. Fertilizers, pesticides, pruning and maintenance personnel are all indispensable. However, this is not the only way. The following 7 points will effectively reduce the maintenance cost of golf course lawns.
1. Reasonable use of chemical fertilizers can reduce diseases
Foliar sprays of phosphorus or manganese can control brown spot and reduce the need for commercial fungicides. At the same time, it was also observed that applying 0.25kg of potassium silicate chemical fertilizer per 100m2 can reduce brown spot disease by 10 to 20%. When treated with the same method, money spot disease can be reduced by 10%.
Potassium carbonate fertilizer can be used to control basidiomycete mushroom rings in lawns. This fertilizer works best when applied when mushroom circles first appear in spring or early summer. Apply twice every other week, 8g/m2 each time, water after application to avoid fertilizer burn to the leaves. The researchers also found that this treatment also reduced the occurrence of brown spot.
2. Using high-quality grass seeds can reduce the amount of pruning
“Normal” grass species produce more clippings than superior species. This is a noteworthy, seemingly contradictory but correct statement, because in markets that require extensive management, common grass seeds are often the main sales targets of seed sellers. In one study, it was found that there was a huge difference in the amount of grass dust produced by ordinary grass seeds and high-quality grass seeds. A common variety of bluegrass produces 70% more grass than an excellent variety of perennial ryegrass, Blackburg Linn, 50% more than common varieties of tall fescue Tara and K-31, and 13% more than Apache.
3、Proper pruning methods can reduce water consumption
Contrary to popular belief, mowing lawns uses less irrigation water. Research has found that if the pruning height of Poa annua is reduced from 2.5cm to 0.6cm, irrigation water needs only half of the original amount. However, such a low-cut lawn will have shorter roots, so a low-cut lawn cannot tolerate drought, which can cause the lawn to become chlorotic or damaged. In areas with continental climates where lawns must be irrigated, low mowing to improve water use can produce good results.
Reduce the frequency of mowing to maintain humidity. Research shows that where the frequency of mowing increased from two times a week to six times a week, water usage jumped by 41%. However, there are limitations to conserving water by watering less often, and water is wasted if the grass grows too tall.
4. Stadium zoning management
Dividing golf courses into different maintenance and management areas can greatly reduce maintenance costs. Of course, the maintenance level of greens, fairways, tee boxes and other areas of any golf course cannot and should not be reduced. However, in some areas you can try the following practices:
First, divide the court drawing into squares and triangles. Each section designates a maintenance level and labels it from “A” to “G.” Each section has its designated standards for fertilizer, watering, pruning, and pest control. Area A (green) can receive any required management, and other areas will reduce maintenance investment in sequence. This plan was submitted to the club management committee for approval after the maintenance staff reached consensus. This allows maintenance costs to be reduced in selected areas, thereby reducing overall costs. The implementation of these measures will not only not affect the quality and play of the course, but also form a “return to nature area” in areas where pruning or other maintenance measures are reduced, which will be appreciated by golfers.
5. “Train” the lawn
As a lawn manager, you can also “train” your lawn to require less water. In the eastern United States, highly mowed lawns can delay the first watering until July 4 in most years. This allows the grass roots to penetrate deep into the soil in search of moisture. Put your lawn through several short dry-wet cycles to encourage root growth.
This method is also suitable for low-cut lawns, although the first watering time will be earlier. As a turfgrass manager, you want to avoid being the first course in your local area to water all fairways and tall grass areas in the spring. .
Of course, there are risks to “training” lawns. But spring drought can force grass roots to grow deeper into the soil. These deeper roots come into play in mid-summer, using less water and being more resilient to the environment.
6. Reduce the amount of lawn mowing
A study by a New York research institute found that mixed lawns with perennial ryegrass or tall fescue (or dwarf tall fescue varieties) have a high growth rate, require greater amounts of mowing, and produce grass residues that are slower than the growth rate. Grasses such as fine fescue or bluegrass are 90 to 270% more abundant.
Studies have found that significant savings can be made by changing grass species and reducing mowing. Researcher James Wilmott once calculated an account, “If it costs $150 per acre to mix with a grass species that requires the highest mowing frequency, then it costs about $50 per acre to mix with a grass species that requires the lowest mowing frequency. The combination only costs about 1/3. Fertilizer requirements save approximately $120 per acre, which translates to $12,000 per season.”
Of course, replacing bluegrass or tall fescue is not always possible. However, once the golf course replaces the grass species that requires frequent mowing with slow-growing grass species, it can save a lot of money by reducing the amount of mowing.
7. Reduce the use of herbicides
Everyone has heard that using less herbicides is better for the environment. However, can herbicides be reduced without affecting the quality of the golf course? According to research, to control crabgrass weeds or goosegrass, low amounts of pre-emergent herbicides can be applied continuously every year. He found that you can apply the full amount in the first year, half the amount every two years, and 1/4 amount after 3 years or more. This application produces similar results as applying the full amount every year. The reason for this is that as lawns become denser and more resistant to weeds, weeds take up less space in the soil over time.
A simple way to reduce your use of pesticides is to stay within the range stated on most pesticide labels. If the label recommends a dosage of 0.15~0.3kg per acre, use the lowest dosage. This approach has enabled him to use 10% less herbicide than neighboring courses.
Extensive turf management can be applied to many golf courses, and its potential to save money is self-evident. As a lawn manager, you might as well give it a try.
Post time: Jun-20-2024