Evaluation of different aerification methods for ultradwarf hybrid bermudagrass putting greens

A recent study from the University of Florida, sheds new light on optimal practices for maintaining the health and performance of ultradwarf hybrid bermudagrass, a popular turf variety for golf course putting greens. The research evaluates various aerification techniques aimed at improving soil health, turf vigor, and overall playability.

As ultradwarf hybrid bermudagrass becomes the standard for putting greens due to its adaptability to warmer climates and its superior performance, maintaining these greens presents unique challenges. Aerification is a key cultural practice used to alleviate soil compaction, promote root growth, and enhance water infiltration. The study explores different aerification methods, comparing their impact on turf recovery times, surface smoothness, and overall turf quality.

Physically excising plugs of the topmost layer of turf, thatch, and surface soil and replacing them with either sand or a different topdressing amendment is an intensive routine that can be disruptive to golfers as well as those who maintain turf. Studies have shown that increased frequency of aerification and topdressing can reduce OM (organic matter) levels and improve surface firmness. However, it was found that reducing the frequency of aerification events improved turf visual quality and recovery time.

Although aerification can be unsightly, its functional purpose is of the utmost importance when it comes to long-term management strategies and, when neglected, can lead to OM accumulation, and decreased ability to drain water. Aerification during the right time of year can alleviate and prevent these issues and reduce soil compaction.

Currently, hollow tine core aerators are the standard for this practice because they are specifically designed to remove plugs of soil closest to the surface of the turf, where OM predominantly tends to accumulate. Alternatives to core aeration, such as sand or air injection, are methods that seek to improve soil physical properties while minimizing surface disruption.

Topdressing is an important follow-up treatment to aerification because it replaces any removed material with sand, which alters the surface soil as it embeds within the thatch layer, forming a more porous surface layer. Topdressing effects on water infiltration into putting greens have been inconsistent, with some studies reporting an improvement in water infiltration while others report no change or a reduction of water infiltration.

Topdressing is also an important component of aerification recovery. Research results show that recovery mixtures based on sand amended with organic or inorganic materials could shorten recovery time.

The research highlights the importance of balancing aerification methods with turf recovery time, ensuring that golf courses can maintain top-tier playing conditions throughout the year while minimizing disruption to players. This study is poised to become a valuable resource for golf course maintenance professionals seeking to optimize their turf management strategies, and will help inform maintenance schedules and practices, ultimately benefiting both the course managers and players.