The overarching goal for putting green management is to optimize playing conditions while maintaining healthy turf that recovers well from traffic and ball marks. It can be easy to overdo it when it comes to nitrogen inputs because the greening response is often well received by golfers. However, supplying nitrogen in excess of what is needed to produce a healthy sward will cause unnecessary growth, which can lead to maintenance and playability issues. Here are a few negative consequences of applying too much nitrogen to putting greens:
- Unnecessary growth
- Elevated organic matter and thatch levels
- Difficulty achieving desired green speed and firmness
- Increased labor required for cultural practices such as mowing, vertical mowing and sand topdressing
- Increased evaporative demand
- Increased disease susceptibility
- Higher fertilizer budget
- Less chance to optimize the quality of the playing surface
On the other hand, applying just enough nitrogen to produce healthy turf will limit undesirable growth and organic matter accumulation. This approach is more environmentally friendly, requires less labor inputs, and can be expected to deliver better and more consistent playing conditions. The greens may not be as green, but most players will appreciate the excellent playing conditions day in and day out.
The bottom line is don’t fertilize to enhance green color. Supply just enough nitrogen to produce and maintain healthy turf with good recuperative ability.
West Region Agronomists:
Brian Whitlark, senior consulting agronomist – bwhitlark@usga.org
Cory Isom, agronomist – cisom@usga.org