How can you control thatch buildup on a golf course?

1 What causes thatch?

Thatch is mainly composed of dead and living plant material, such as roots, stems, leaves, and clippings. It forms when the rate of decomposition is slower than the rate of production. Several factors can influence the thatch formation, such as the grass species, the mowing frequency and height, the fertilization and irrigation practices, the soil type and pH, and the microbial activity. Generally, warm-season grasses tend to produce more thatch than cool-season grasses, and low mowing and high fertilization can also increase thatch accumulation.

2 What are the effects of thatch?

Thatch can have both positive and negative effects on a golf course, depending on its thickness and quality. A thin layer of thatch (less than 0.5 inch) can provide cushioning, regulate soil temperature, reduce soil erosion, and enhance turf recovery. On the other hand, a thick layer of thatch (more than 0.5 inch) can lead to waterlogging or drought stress due to reduced water infiltration and drainage, as well as increased fertilizer and pesticide requirements. This can also create a favorable environment for disease and pest organisms, such as fungi, insects, and nematodes. Furthermore, it can interfere with root development and soil contact, resulting in weak and shallow-rooted turf. Ultimately, this affects the turf quality and performance, causing uneven surfaces, poor ball roll, reduced wear tolerance, and increased scalping.

3 How to measure thatch?

To measure the thatch layer on a golf course, you can use a simple method called the core sampling. This involves taking a soil core from the turf using a hollow metal tube or a soil probe. Then, you can measure the thickness of the thatch layer with a ruler or a caliper. You can also inspect the quality and composition of the thatch by looking at its color, texture, and density. Ideally, you should take several samples from different areas of the golf course to get a representative average.

4 How to prevent thatch?

To prevent thatch buildup, cultural practices should be adopted to reduce its production and enhance its decomposition. This includes selecting the appropriate grass species and cultivars for your climate and soil conditions, such as bentgrass, fescue, or ryegrass. Additionally, mowing the turf at the recommended height and frequency for the grass type and season is important. Clippings should be returned to the turf as long as they are small and uniform, as this can provide organic matter and nutrients to the soil and microbes. Fertilizing and irrigating the turf according to soil test results and turf needs is also key, avoiding over-fertilizing or over-watering. Lastly, aerating the turf regularly in areas with high traffic or compaction can improve soil aeration, drainage, and microbial activity which can facilitate thatch decomposition.