Golf Course Grass and Turf Testing

Texas Plant and Soil Lab's soil, plant and water testing is the key to good fertility and healthy golf grass and turf. A healthy soil makes more nutrients available to the grass with less water and minimal fertilizer waste.

Golf grass and turf that is grown in nutritionally well-balanced soil needs fewer nutrients and less water. The grass and turf will be healthier because they'll utilize fertilizer more efficiently in conjunction with the improved water usage and nutrient uptake. There will be no need to over-apply chemicals to get full, healthy growth.

Deficiencies that would occour from the traditional approach of applying a generalized fertilizer can be corrected at the start. Texas Plant and Soil Lab's tests are essential to ensure that unanticipated deficiencies or toxicities are discovered from the beginning and do not limit returns on investment in grass growth or health.

Texas Plant and Soil Lab's plant testing and analysis on the grass supplies a wealth of information on the nutritional status of grass and turf, and also helps detect potential problems which could limit healthy growth.

As with all growing plants, actively growing grass and turf takes up large quantities of nutrients Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Minerals & Micronutrients. To optimize the investments of golf courses and country clubs, it is essential to have the soil analyzed in three ranges: Topsoil 0-4”, subsoil 4-12” and subsoil 12-24”.

The top 0-4” shows the major feeding zone. The subsoil’s show if missing or if rebuilding of the subsoil is necessary to improve quality. This is also very useful in tracking salt accumulations and to see if your water management is working.

A program of regularly scheduled soil, plant and water analysis is needed for adjustments that should be made in the fertilization program along the growing season of the grass and turf.

A representative composite sample of 0-4 inches deep of topsoil,
4-12 inches deep of subsoil, and 12-24 inches deep of subsoil from each management area is recommended, as well as the corresponding grass clippings.

Golf Course Grass and Turf Testing Schedule

June – Aug. Topsoil (0-4”), Subsoil’s (4-12” & 12-24”)
& Plant Analysis – Water Analysis

Sept. – Nov. Topsoil (0-4”), Subsoil’s (4-12” & 12-24”)
& Plant Analysis

Jan. – Mar. Topsoil (0-4”), Subsoil’s (4-12” & 12-24”)
& Plant Analysis – Water Analysis

Apr. – Jun. Topsoil (0-4”), Subsoil’s (4-12” & 12-24”)
& Plant Analysis

Problem areas especially if suspected of salt problems recommend taking 4’ soil profile. Water Analysis should be taken more often if using effluent source that change constantly.

Texas Plant and Soil Lab's soil analysis will provide the texture, Organic Matter (humus fraction – available), Carbonates (CO3), pH, Nitrate (NO3), Phosphorus (P2O5), soluble (H2O) and extractable (CO2), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Manganese (Mg) & Sodium (Na) plus Na / Ca / Mg Ratios PLUS Micronutrients -- Topsoil Only: Zinc (Z), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mg) and Copper (Cu).

The Organic Matter (humus fraction) content of the soil is an important aspect which can influence the level of fertilizer applied. Sandy soils generally contain very little organic matter, so more Nitrogen (N) will have to be applied to grass growing on these soils than on organic soils. Using a good humus program requires less water and total Nitrogen (N).

The quantity of Nitrogen (N) to be applied during grass and turf production depends on several factors. The organic matter content of the soil is very important, but the grass species and desired growth rate are also important. A quality hybrid turfgrass may be produced with up to 225 lbs of N/acre (5-6 lbs/1000 sq.ft.) each year. A number of different soluble and slow-release materials can be used to supply this Nitrogen (N). Nitrogen (N) promotes vegetative growth. Other minerals & micronutrients aids quality. Generally, the more Nitrogen (N) supplied the greater the growth of the grass. This is beneficial when you are attempting to generate ground cover, but may cause undue stress during cool or dry season growth. Grass and turf containing high levels of Nitrogen (N) is also more susceptible to disease, insect pressure and frost damage than is grass and turf containing low levels of Nitrogen (N).

Additionally, grass which is growing excessively may not produce an adequate root system for nutrient and water utilization during times of stress. A balanced well-timed fertilization program is required for optimum production.

Tilth (soil condition/ structure) for root, water and air penetration is the most essential feature of growing good turf. Soluble (available H2O-Ca) Calcium is the most critical element combined with humus (available organic matter) and biological activity which activates the profit potential from fast growing healthy grass. Texas Plant and Soil Lab’s Ask the Plant™ method fully evaluates the need for the soil for grass and turf production.

Phosphorous (P) promotes root growth and maturity in the plant and must be applied regularly to grass as part of the regular fertilization program. Because of the nature of high pH alkaline soils or low calcium acid soils, Phosphorous (P) is rapidly tied-up and unavailable to the grass. Texas Plant and Soil Lab’s soil tests indicates how much Phosphorous (P) is actually available to the plant. Annual applications of Phosphorous (P) may require 100 to 150 lbs P2O5/acre for production of healthy, well-rooted grass. This Phosphorous (P) can be supplied by the use of a number of different Phosphorous (P) sources and adjuvants that aid its uptake.

Potassium (K) promotes root growth, plant maturity, drought tolerance or cold hardiness. Potassium (K) is very important for grass production, because it influences root growth. In this respect, Potassium (K) may have as much influence on the production of grass as does Nitrogen (N). Annual application of Potassium Oxide (K2O) should match the amount of Nitrogen (N) used each time for production of healthy, well-rooted grass.

Irrigation is the next important requirement for all quality grass and turf production. Ample water of good quality should be a priority during the planning stage. Water sources include wells, ponds, streams, effluents and canals. Frequent monitoring of effluent waters is also desirable. Make sure and have a complete water analysis to verify the salt content of the water.

Use Good Water Management – soak thoroughly but as infrequently as possible. Allow roots to get proper aeration between irrigations. Phosphorus (P) and Iron (Fe) in Plant Analysis can indicate problems with too much or too little water. Deep watering can help prevent surface salt build up by leaching soluble salts from previous irrigation. During fast drying days use light irrigations till subsoil’s aerate but do not let subsoil’s get too dry.

After irrigation, mowing is perhaps the second most important turfgrass cultural practice. This is when humus and soil inoculants are valuable in recycling nutrients thru decomposition.

Please contact us today at 956-383-0739 and speak with us
about your needs.