More Holes

As previously mentioned we've been using a different approach to the aeration process for the last two seasons.  As a result, lab tests have shown improvements in organic matter content which is what we always considered to be our biggest challenge.  However, some other variables that show up in the report have not been so promising.  This latest report along with recent observations make it clear that we need to go back to some form of core aeration.  Even though we are just one month removed from the process pictured here...

The pictures below are of hole 3 following the application of a wetting agent (a product to assist in getting moisture evenly distributed through the soil profile).  The water that is puddled in the middle of the green is left behind after just 4 minutes of irrigation.  We cannot get the wetting agent, or anything else for that matter, into the soil when water runs off the surface on contact.  When we had some 90 degree days last week it was impossible to hydrate some of the dry areas as no water could get below the surface.   We will be putting some small holes in greens today and tomorrow in an attempt to get the surfaces to accept air and water again.  Every 2-3 weeks throughout the season we will be "venting" greens with small solid tines to help keep things alive.  

This is the same green from close up immediately following 4 minutes of irrigation.  Note the water running down the slope.  The wetting agent we are trying to get into the soil is running down the slope with the water.  Normally we'd like to run the water for much longer than 4 minutes, but even with fresh aeration holes this has not been possible.