Page 3 - August Newsletter 2022

AGRONOMY

COURSE
MAINTENANCE

Stacy Wallace

Based on feedback from the membership, we would
like to reiterate the importance of using the gate
system for golf car traffic around tees and greens.
As shown in the picture below, traffic tends to flow
in the same area resulting in compaction and turf
decline. The gate system allows us to move traffic
around to alleviate this situation. It also allows us to
keep unsightly ropes and stakes to a minimum.

Golf cart damage affects two areas, Turf Injury and
Soil Compaction.

Turf injury is affected by travel speed and the
amount of stopping, starting, and turning. As
shown in the pictures, leaf blades get bruised,
and cells rupture, especially with aggressive
driving. Subsequintially, wilt sets in as water is
lost from the leaves, causing a loss of
chlorophyll and cell death.

The soil compaction caused by carts reduces
shoot growth rate and the recuperative potential
of turfgrass. Compaction reduces air and water
porosity within the soil and water movement
through the soil profile. Soil compaction can
impact turf growth for weeks or months,
resulting in total loss of turf cover, chronic
problems with poor drainage, and the invasion
of weeds that prefer compacted soil conditions.

We thank you in advance for adhering to the gate
system and doing your part in helping alleviate the
damage golf cars cause to the turf plant and soil. It
is only successful if everyone does their part.

Yours in turf,

Stacy L. Wallace
Golf Course Superintendent

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