GOLF has been GREEN for a long time....

We have again added bales of barley straw to the ponds on 2 and 18. Some biologists observe that barley straw's presence can reduce the populations of certain types of algae growing in ponds and waterways. Apparently, as it degrades, a chemical is released that hampers algae growth.

The rough has been in many conversations this spring. We won't further delve into the severity of the rough at this time. However, because of the health of the rough, a significant positive change can be reported and celebrated.

First, a little background information is needed.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is an environmentally friendly management method for maintaining plants (and golf courses) that relies on less dependence of pesticides, irrigation water, fertilizers or any artificial methods that aids plant health. The IPM philosophy says that healthy soils will produce healthy plants that can withstand stresses from insects, disease, heat, drought and weed invasions. We employ IPM ideas constantly to give us a healthier golf course, a golf course that uses less inputs of pesticides and irrigation water than if not under IPM management.

We have touched on these IPM ideas previously without actually identifying them as IPM. Discussions that have centered on improving soil's health by adding lime and deficient nutrients is straight out of the IPM handbook, as healthier soils will support stronger, more reliable turfgrass with fewer inputs. Aerification of turf areas is an IPM method that provides air for improved soil/oxygen exchange. Providing the sharpest cutting blades for the cleanest cut prevents disease from entering poorly mowed leaf blades is IPM. Barley straw in ponds, rolling greens, thatch removal, using sand topdressing, and increasing sunlight penetration for turfgrass are all methods of Integrated Pest Management employed that lessen dependence on pesticides, fertilizers and water. (I could write for hours about how we use the IPM philosophy to manage Potowomut.)

Back to my original point, my apologies as I seemed to have wandered a bit.

Turfgrass in the rough is greatly improved after applying appropriate fertilizers the last few years as directed by Soil Scientists as a result of soil testing. During 2009, much less herbicide (weed killer) has been utilized to eliminate weeds, simply because there are fewer of them. IPM says healthier soils will provide stronger turfgrass plants that will choke out weed plants and their lateral movement, slow or stop germination of new weed seeds, and we are seeing those benefits this spring.