Light and Dark

For the past two years we have dealt with abnormal growth and wilt of Bentgrass on the greens and collars.  In order to try and establish a cause and effect relationship with this phenomenon, we will be leaving untreated plots on greens throughout this year.

Unfertilized turf in the foreground.

Experts still disagree about the cause of etiolated turf, but one theory is that it could be related to plant fertility.  Prior to spring aerification, we fertilized the greens to help them heal more quickly.  However, on four greens, we did not apply fertilizer to the back half.  If nothing else, this has shown the benefit of this fertilizer in helping the holes fill in.