Page 132 - 2020 Training Manual

Superintendent’s
GOLF SCHOOL
Ahealthy turf is the pride of every superintendent. However, in addition to having a green and healthy turf, there are also technical requirements which healthy turf should possess. The turf should be water-permeable to reduce downtime caused by weather conditions, and a healthy turf should
have a high number of plants per square inch. In order to have such a healthy professional turf, one has to provide the proper growing conditions. The most important prerequisite for healthy turf is proper soil conditions, consisting of approximately 45 percent minerals, 25 percent air pores, 25 percent water pores and 5 percent organic matter.
However, quite often the number of air pores is reduced due
to compaction and bad water infiltration, thereby causing
saturation, meaning that the roots of the grass cannot breathe
since they are basically drowned in water. Although regular
aeration is performed, these same symptoms of compaction
can be seen on many turfs. The reason is that most aeration machines work at a depth of about 3 to 5 inches, whereas compaction is quite often found in the deeper layers. Consistent aeration to the same depth may cause an additional layer of compaction, which is sometimes referred to as a black layer. At this black layer, roots, as well as water, air, and nutrients, cannot extend any deeper into
the soil.
This is why a program using deep aeration is desired, for
aerifying and decompacting down to a maximum of 16
inches. A superintendent was once overheard saying, “My
old aerifier went 3 inches deep and the root system stopped
there. My next aerifier went 4 inches deep, and the roots
stopped there. Now, I started deep-tine aerifying 10 inches
and my roots seem to be stopping there. What can I do now?”
Someone then responded, “And, what’s the problem with 10-
inch roots?” Given the choice, go deep. While it’s true that
the root system usually stops where the aeration tine stops,
at 10 inches deep, the root system will support a healthy stand of turf. With a deeper root system from deep-tine aerification, irrigation intervals can be lengthened, fertilizer
applications last longer and more oxygen is introduced into the soil. One major advantage to the newer deep machines is the ability to easily change the angle of entry, thus increasing the amount of soil displacement at the maximum depth. In addition, with the use of coring
tines, soil profiles can be exchanged deep into the surface. Another valuable tool that deep tine aerifiers offer is a variety of needle tines. Superintendents are partial to these tines because needle tines offer minimal surface disruption and minimal effects on ball roll. Needle tines open the surface, which can become sealed by irrigation practices, while providing all the benefits associated with decompacting the soil.
In the past, deep-tine aerifiers were somewhat slow, requir- ing a creeper gear, and were somewhat difficult to operate. Wiedenmann has worked for decades to develop the technology to offer the fastest deep-tine machines on the market with the TerraSpike XF (Extra Fast), TerraSpike XD (Extra Deep), and,
more recently, the TerraSpike GXi HD (Heavy Duty). The TwinDrive, ribbed, V-belt drive system allows for speeds up to 485 revolutions per minute with the use of any size tine in the Wiedenmann range. In addition, because of the continuous crankshaft, timing issues are never experienced.
Toll-Free (866) 790-3004
The TerraSpikes are user-friendly machines offering a variety of features, such as the Quickset adjustment of the entry angle and of the depth, the VibraStop and PowerPack anti-vibration and absorption systems, the Quickfit tine mounting and extrac- tion system, and the ATC (Advanced Tine Control) system, as offered on the GXi HD. Turf Retainers, Safety Guards, Rear Rollers, Multi-Tine Holders, Tight Hole Spacing, Ballast Weights, and Windrows are a few of the other options available for the TerraSpike family of aerifiers.
For more information, please contact Wiedenmann North America, LLC at www.wiedenmannusa.com or www.terraspike.com
• office@terraspike.com