CASE STUDY Seaweed 3-0-15, Bio Booster 8-7-7 this in spite of a very wet summer. Summary and both Humic and Fulvic Acid Root depth has generally increased, A healthy living soil with a good amendments, totalling 55 litres. with most greens supporting a root microbial population will give the The total cost for the 6 applica- depth of between 60 and 70mm. best opportunity for growing and tions is around £2,100. Fertiliser Disease pressure is still a threat but managing fine turf. That is without applications have continued largely not as virulent as before and the doubt. What is in doubt is whether as before, rising in 2011 but falling number of fungicide applications adding additional soil microbes in back this year with an expected have been reduced to 5, with most whatever form to a greens root-zone total of N75-P3-K160 being applied. now being preventative to ward will help to achieve this objective The greens have been regularly off Anthracnose and Fusarium as for a sustained period of time. aerified throughout the past 3 years opposed to being curative. Those who have used a compost MAIN ABOVE: 7. using a mixture of tine sizes and Whether or not this number tea program for a number of years Par 3 on the 2nd green Long Ashton depths. All greens were recently of applications is still required certainly think so and appear to be INSET ABOVE: Adding the brew to the sprayer hollow-cored with 13mm tines at remains to be seen but with memo- seeing a reduction in disease and 50mm centres and deep tined in ries of severe scarring in the past, lower requirements in fertiliser. March. About 100 tons of sand top perhaps I’m erring on the side of What needs to be established dressing are applied each year in caution. is a measurable threshold of soil monthly applications. There may be no hard evidence bacteria on a green whereby it can The PGR Primo Maxx is applied to vindicate the use of compost be accurately measured to indicate every 2 weeks in season, mixed with teas, nevertheless the health of the sufficient numbers or deficiencies. a small amount of foliar N. After greens have improved and more It would also help to compare these being cored, Bent was over-seeded progress has been made since numbers on the same greens 1 broadcast style in mid-September. 2010 than in the previous decade day and 7 days after compost tea Summer mowing height is usu- so something must be working.’ was applied in order to verify that ally 3mm, but this season it has James adds, ‘the next step is to an improvement in numbers had remained at 4mm due to the high take measurable data of bacteria taken place. There are numer- rainfall and limited use of vibrating counts before and after and to ous other questions to answer, rollers. This year, Liquid Air was compare greens with fairways and too many to list in this article but applied after coring and also on that is on the agenda for my next there is an overwhelming need to BELOW: The green profile occasions when aeration couldn’t meeting with Symbio. have greater clarity supported by take place due to the wetness of I aim to make a few tweaks to measurable facts and figures. Only greens surfaces: this being a trial the current program by introduc- when this is achieved and hopefully otherwise this program has been ing Phosphite into the tank mixes vindicated is there likely to be a consistent for the past 2 years.’ during the latter part of the year and concerted move away from current to increase the amount of top dress- greens management and less reli- Results to date ing by 20 to 40 tons. That apart, I am ance on plant protectants. So after 2 years have the objectives satisfied that the investment made been achieved? James concludes; in applying composted tea has led Turf Master One Ltd is grateful ‘The greatest difference has been to a steady improvement and will to James Braithwaite and Long the reduction in OM content, fall- help Long Ashton to become more Ashton GC for their support in ing from around 35mm to 20mm, sustainable in the future.’ producing this article. 30 GI DECEMBER 2012 DECEMBER 2012 GI 31 FEATURE Open Support Team Volunteers 2013 Robert Bemment Immingham GC Name I have applied for/appeared ....................................................................................................... on the team at: Applied Successful How you can follow in the footsteps of Golf Club Ben Scrivener Abridge Golf & Country Club with Luke Donald golfing legends at Muirfield 2013 ....................................................................................................... Royal Lytham & St Annes, 2012......................... ❑ ............❑ ........ Position ....................................................................................Age ............. Royal St George’s, 2011 ...................................... ❑ ............❑ ........ Do you fancy the chance As anyone who has previously graph and send to: Rachael Duffy, St Andrews, 2010 ............................................... ❑ ............❑ ........ to work at The Open worked as a member of the Support BIGGA House, Aldwark, Alne, York BIGGA Membership Number Championship 2013…with the Team will tell you, it’s extremely YO61 1UF. ....................................................................................................... Turnberry, 2009 ................................................. ❑ ............❑ ........ once in a lifetime opportunity hard work with early mornings For further information contact Royal Birkdale 2008 ........................................... ❑ ............❑ ........ to walk alongside the world’s preparing the course for the likes Rachael on 01347 833800 or email Home address leading golfers at one of the of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and [email protected] ....................................................................................................... finest courses in the world? reigning champion Ernie Els. Closing date for applications is ....................................................................................................... Yes No This was the amazing reward There may also be late nights on Thursday 31 January 2013 and ....................................................................................................... I have been a BIGGA member for more than three years ....❑.....❑ for several days of extremely hard ‘divot duty’. selected members will be notified ....................................................................................................... work – and lack of sleep – for But, as previous attendees tes- soon after this date. Email Address I serve, or have served in the last three years, BIGGA members from across the tify, the experience is one to tell the ....................................................................................................... on a Section/Region Committee .........................................❑.....❑ UK, America and Australia at the grandchildren about – not to men- Darren Abbs Royal Norwich GC Mobile Number thrilling Open at Royal Lytham & St tion a chance to enjoy the superb ....................................................................................................... I am enrolled on BIGGA’s CPD Scheme ..............................❑.....❑ Annes Golf Club last July. camaraderie within the team and In 2013, the legendary links at meet members from across the ❑ Passport photo attached? .................................................... I have attended three of the last fi ve BTMEs. ......................❑.....❑ Muirfield in East Lothian host the world. tournament which will be eagerly You will receive accommodation, Waterproof measurements; waist ...........leg length......... I am/have been a member of the PGA followed by tens of thousands food, daily transport to the course, a Polo shirt measurement; chest ................. Championship Support Team ............................................❑.....❑ behind the ropes and millions on waterproof suit and polo shirts – all TV. you have to do is make your way to Are you available for the Early Morning Prep team from I am willing to be a mini bus driver But we’re giving you the opportu- Muirfield. ❑ Tuesday 16th July? ............................................................. (You must have held a full driving license nity to get inside the ropes - working The first tee shot will be struck ❑ Sunday fi nal night (21st July) accommodation required?... for three years and be over 25 years of age.) ........................❑.....❑ alongside the excellent team at on Thursday 18 July, with the final Muirfield led by Colin Irvine and putt sunk on Sunday 21 July. IMPORTANT INFO Any specifi c dietary needs? .................................................... I am an overseas Member ...................................................❑.....❑ with support from the team at We will need a pre-prep team from If so please state ..................................................................... BIGGA HQ. Tuesday 16 July, with the remain- We need 54 volunteers who ing team arriving on the Wednesday Note: A place on the team is open to all full BIGGA members but priority will be given to the more active members. Subject to the will all play their part in ensuring for a 5pm debrief meeting. availability of suffi cient numbers of experienced team members no regular team member will be selected for more than three teams in Tom Smith Colne Valley GC a successful tournament. The This opportunity is open to all full succession. A limited number of places