All superintendents know the important role that roots play in everything from absorbing soil moisture and nutrients, to providing a stable putting surface. However, in my experience, regular root inspections and decision-making based on root health are not as common as they should be. Just like inspecting putting surfaces throughout the course, regular root assessments are a critical scouting method.
A common way to investigate root health is using a soil profiler to remove a cross section of turf. While this is a popular and effective method that involves very little disruption to the playing surface, this sampling method can cut roots off and give the impression of less rooting than is truly present. A more effective, albeit more invasive, method is to slowly wash the soil away from a cup cutter plug until you can adequately assess root health. The larger-diameter cores of a cup cutter show the entire rootzone picture from thatch accumulation and health of rhizomes to the depth and health of roots.
If roots are brown, stunted, short or show general signs of stress then their ability to uptake soil moisture, nutrients and plant protectants is reduced. This results in obvious issues like poor plant health and thin turf. It can also lead to overuse of products that are not being utilized by the plant to maximum efficiency, thereby wasting your time and resources.
A healthy root system allows superintendents to produce excellent playing surfaces with fewer resources, but achieving healthy roots is often easier said than done. There are plenty of stressors out there fighting against healthy roots. Fortunately, our team is here to help through our Course Consulting Service with no other objectives than improving your playing surfaces and helping you provide the best possible golf experience at your course. Make 2021 the year you focus on root health. Your greens and golfers will thank you and you’ll enjoy some extra peace of mind this season knowing that your turf sits on a healthy foundation.
Southeast Region Agronomists:
Chris Hartwiger, director, USGA Course Consulting Service – chartwiger@usga.org
Steve Kammerer, Ph.D., senior consulting agronomist – skammerer@usga.org
Addison Barden, agronomist – abarden@usga.org