As we continue to work on the blog here at OSU/ATI we will update you on the activities of both the students as well as the academic side of things. The aim of the blog is to give insight into data produced from field trials, while also discussing weather conditions affecting northern Ohio and what that means on a week to week basis for superintendents, sportsturf managers and lawn and landscape managers. To that end we will be posting notes about recent visits and issues that we have seen with those visits. If you have questions on the topics that arise throughout the year please don’t hesitate to contact us.
One other aim of the blog is to showcase our student activities and the students themselves so expect some bio’s with their career focus and discussion on where they might like to end up in the next 10 years.
OSU/ATI was visiting Barrington GC in Aurora on Monday 10-10-16. The team noticed what was believed to be the first frost of the season and felt that chill in air. One thing that was noticeable was that aeration activity was ongoing. Ultimately it’s a required cultural practice to aid with dilution of organic matter, enhance water movement, reduce disease pressure and enhance turfgrass playing conditions. The problem for golfers is the disruption to golf activity that occurs and the problem for superintendents is the disruption to golf activity that occurs – they hear about it. It is a required practice to retain turfgrass health and superintendents do not want to do this to annoy golfers – its not the most enjoyable of jobs either – long days, equipment breakdowns, uncooperative weather – however aeration of some form or other must be carried out or course conditions will certainly diminish. Patience is key – and if the disruption is causing serious frustrations then consideration could be given to moving the program to earlier in the season (August) to enhance recovery speed and allow for undisturbed fall golf. In regards to timing we noticed the first frost of the season during the visit and so if you have aerated very recently and are hoping for rapid recovery – this type of weather will not be of help – aeration holes will really hang around going forward and may not completely recover until next spring – it will certainly compound frustration for all those around – however at this stage patience is needed.
First frost has been spotted in the northeast Ohio region – recovery from aeration will be stunted as temperatures continue to drop. Barrington GC was in excellent shape 10-10-16