Maintenance Week – October 2013

The bi-annual maintenance week has now reached an end. These periods of maintenance (which generally occur just before and after the main playing season) are extremely important to aid plant and soil health and recovery. During the year, North Foreland golf club receives approximately 40,000 rounds of golf. Each of these rounds has an effect on the playing surface and therefore its performance  in the long term. The maintenance that occurs during these weeks prevents long term damage whilst maintaining turf performance in the short-medium term.

The operations that occur during these periods change from maintenance week to maintenance week. This time, the procedures were verti-draining and slitting of turf, known in the sportsturf industry as ‘aeration’ of the soil.

Verti-draining the Northcliffe course

The benefits of aerating the soil are as follows:

1. Reduced compaction – The action of the tines and slitter are intended to break up the soil profile, which has been compacted through heavy foot traffic over summer months.

2. Increased rooting capacity – The reduced compaction allows the finer grasses to root deeper, creating a stronger, more competitive plant.

3. Better drainage capacity – Without a compacted rootzone, water can infiltrate and percolate deeper and quicker, reducing surface water during heavy downpours.

4. Better mix for topdressing (if appropriate) – Often, a topdressing of sand or an equivalent is added after aeration of the soil, this helps with reduction of organic matter within the soil and a smooth playing surface.

5. Release of toxic gases – Not only does aerating the soil allow oxygen into the soil, it allows the release of other toxic gases from from the soil.

Both the Northcliffe and main courses received the same aeration treatment. As weather conditions are warm and wet, it is predicted that any affect on playing conditions will be minor. Indeed, reparation of the sward/playing surface due to excellent growing conditions can already be seen upon inspection.

Slitting the short course

The greenkeeping team at North Foreland would like to thank all the members and visitors to the site over maintenance week for their understanding during these procedures.