[Arizona Golfcourse Grass Testing] Sept. 9, 2006 George, This email gives the status of Dr. Amiran's testing of the two buckets of golf course soil sent to him in Wisconsin. Initial Evaluation The samples appeared to be core samples down to a depth of about 10 inches. They consisted of a top layer of 1.5 to 2 inches that was primarily Bermuda grass root structure and about 8 inches of underlying soil. Photo 1 shows the bottom layer (left side of photo) and top layer (right side of photo). Note the color change between the two layers. The top layer contained 95% of the Bermuda root structure.
Drainage Capability The bottom layer drained very quickly and would not hold more than 15 to 20% of total water sprayed over the surface. This resulted in a moisture capacity of less than 15%, quite low. The top layer was marginally better, holding 22% of the total water applied. Organic Content Photo 2 shows the non-water soluble organic content of a sample of the top layer after the Bermuda root structure was separated out. It was about very low -- about 0.7% of the total mass. The bottom layer had less than 0.1% non-water soluble organic content -- virtually nil. Both the bottom and top layers had good mineral content. However the low organic content coupled with the high drainage capability means that this soil cannot hold sufficient moisture or nutrients to accelerate plant growth. Heat Capacity The heat capacity of both layers was examined using vapor extraction methods. Simply, the soil was saturated with water and exposed at 150 degrees F. Moisture was lost at a very high rate, and the temperature elevated higher than expected in both layers. The rapid moisture loss and high soil temperature are related to the low levels of organic material in the soil. What this means is that if the soil is under stress because of high temperatures, low temperatures, or lack of moisture, plant life is difficult to sustain. Bermuda Root Structure Photo 3 shows the Bermuda root structure after removal of soluble matter from the root mass. About 40 individual Bermuda grass plants were extracted from the root structure and examined.
Photo 4 shows a typical plant. Healthy Bermuda grass grows one or two major roots with many fine roots extending from the main root. Fine roots should make up 15 to 20% of the total root mass. We don't see that minimum, nor do we see the strong horizontal growth typical of Bermuda grass. We would like to see the fine root mass be a minimum of 25%. In that case the tolerance of the plant for temperature change would increase substantially. Test 1. Annual Rye Grass Grow Test We used the soil from the second bucket for an annual rye grass grow test. First we separated the plants from the soil. We divided the separated soil into two portions--original and amended. The amended portion was thoroughly mixed with 5% short fiber organic matter together with SeaSoil organic fertilizer. Moisture retention of the
amended soil was 37%. Then a grow tray was filled 50% with the original soil and 50% with amended soil. Annual rye grass seeds were sowed evenly over the tray and lightly watered. Test Results 1. The grass was sowed on Friday, 9/22 (Day 0). 2. The following Tuesday, 9/26 (Day 4), seed germination was well started in both original and amended soil. The bacterial count was elevated by a factor of 2 in the amended soil compared to the original soil. 3. Photo 5 shows the results on 9/29 (Day 7). The height of grass in the amended soil is 1.5 inches. Note the sparse growth in the original soil behind the blue markers. Growth is much slower and plants are sparse in the original soil. 4. Photo 6 shows the results on 10/2 (Day 10). Grass height in the amended soil is 5 to 6 inches. The color is a rich green. Grass height in the original soil is 2 to 3 inches, and sparse compared to the amended soil.
5. On 10/2, both amended and original soils were over seeded. The test is continuing. 6. On 10/4, grass plants from both the amended and original plots were extracted for root structure examination. Photo 7-Day 12 Rye Grass Root Amended and Photo 8-Rye Grass Root Original illustrate the results of improving the soil. As anticipated by the stronger growth pattern, the rye grass root structure in the amended soil is much more extensive.
Test 2. Bermuda Grass Enhancement Test The purpose of this test was to show the effect of a good soil structure on existing golf course Bermuda grass. On 9/25, we planted some of the 40 individual Bermuda grass plants discussed above in the same soil amended as for test 1. Growing conditions were the same as for test 1. On 10/5 we removed the Bermuda plants from the soil to examine the root structure. Photo 7 shows a beginning root structure. Fine root structure is very low. Evidence of new horizontal growth (spreading) is low. Photo 8 shows the same root structure sample after 10 days in amended soil. Note the dramatic increase in fine root structure plus the emerging horizontal root growth. Numerous additional photos are available which also show the same pattern of increased fine root structure and emerging horizontal root growth. Overall Assessment The key deficiency in the soil is a very low organic content. The impacts of this deficiency are low moisture retention, low resistance to temperature variations, low retention of fertilizers, and slower plant growth rates. Although we have no information about pests and disease, we would expect such to be greater than normal due to the difficult growing conditions. Preliminary Recommendations These recommendations are based on the examination and grow tests reported above which was conducted in Milwaukee, WI. From 9/22 to 10/4, temperatures ranged from a low of 40F to a high of 76F. The average low was 50F and the average high was 67F. This resulted in an overall average growing temperature of 59F. Several approaches are possible ranging from topical application of organic fertilizer to complete renovation of the top 8 to 10 inches of soil structure. We do not yet have sufficient understanding of all the factors, including economic, to make firm recommendations. However we offer the following as a first approximation. Options 1. With the objective of shortening the annual rye grass growing time, replace the current chemical fertilizer that leaches rapidly with Nutopa Grass root Stimulator that will bond with the existing Bermuda grass root structure and so be readily available to feed the rye grass following germination. 2. With the objective of rapidly improving the organic content of the top layer of soil, mechanically plug the soil and apply Nutopa Humic Soil Supplement to increase the
moisture holding capability of the soil. Over time, this would raise the organic content of the soil, decrease water consumption, and increase the temperature variation resistance of the soil. Test plots should be established to determine the application methodology. Probably two applications would be required a month or two apart. 3. Where feasible and economic, particularly in high use areas, improve the sustainability of the course by systematically rebuilding the top 8 to 10 inches of soil. Additional Studies We have not performed grow tests on Bermuda grass with the objective of earlier growth of Bermuda in the spring after the rye grass is selectively killed off. We have also not examined the possibility of extending the growing season for Bermuda in the fall. The studies with some experiments are done in February ~ October 2007. We are glad to answer questions about the testing and look forward to continuing to work with you on this project. Charles L. Wilde - The following solution was proved from the experiment in 2007.
*** The solution is in two steps. < Experiment with Bermuda grass > Before: dated 02/05/2007 After: dated 10/05/2007 First, apply a root growth agent, " Nutopa Root Stimulator" The application rate is 0.5 gallons per acre, applied once at the beginning of each growing season. Second, apply organic fertilizer, " Nutopa Humic Soil Supplement" The application rate is 2 gallons per acre, applied three times during the growing season. You should be able to see the difference in the length and vitality of the grass roots in 4 to 6 weeks.
Oct 20, 2006 George, This email provides follow-up photos at the end of the third week of the golf course rye grass grow test. The differences between growth in the original soil and the soil amended with SeaSoil(tm) products are even more pronounced than in my last report. We also have enclosed photos of a separate test (Test 3) showing how the application of SeaSoil(tm) organic fertilizer increases germination rates and growth, even if the basic soil is not improved. Finally, we give some further recommendations on a practical way to proceed together with pricing informaton. All the photos were taken last Thursday, October 12. Photos 9, 9A, and 10 to 13 are the continuation of Test 1, the Annual Rye Grass Grow Test. Photos 14 to 16 are a separate test, Test 3, that is explained below. Test 1 Results for Day 20 1. Photo 9 shows the original soil and amended soil on Day 20. The blue markers in the center of the grow tray mark the boundary between original and amended. The grass in the amended soil is 7" to 8" tall. <Photo 9> 2. Photo 9A shows a side view of the grow tray. The grass in the amended soil is about twice the height of the grass in the original soil. 3. Photo 10 shows the measurement of the grass in the amended soil.
<Photo 9A> <Photo 10> 4. Photo 11 shows the density of the grass in the amended soil. 5. Photo 12 shows the high germination rate and thickness of grass in the amended soil. <Photo 11> <Photo 12> 6. Photo 13 shows density of the individual grass plants at the soil surface. <Photo 13>
Test 3, Results for Day 20 Test 3 was started at the same time as Test 1. The purpose was to isolate the effect of Nutopa TM Humic Soil Supplement if nothing was done to the soil except to topically apply the fertilizer. The soil structure was not amended in any way. 1. Photo 14 shows grass growth in unamended soil, but with Nutopa TM Humic Soil Supplement organic fertilizer used. <Photo 14> This photo should be compared with the unamended soil in Photo 9. What we see is better growth than in the unamended soil without organic fertilizer, but not nearly as much as for the amended soil in Photo 9. 2. Photo 15 shows the density of growth which is visibly better than unamended soil in Photo 9, but much less than amended soil. <Photo 15>
3. Photo 16 shows the germination rate using Nutopa TM Humic Soil Supplement organic fertilizer is higher than in the original, unfertilized soil, but significantly less than in Photos 12 and 13 for the amended soil. <Photo 16> To summarize results-- Compared to using original golf course soil with no application of fertilizer, application of Nutopa Humic Soil Supplement at the time of seeding moderately increases germination rates and moderately stimulates increased growth. This is Option 1 in our October 5 report. The concentrated fertilizer is applied at a rate of 2 gallons per acre diluted in water. Even if the soil structure was not amended, we would recommend plugging the soil before seeding and topical application of Nutopa Grass root Stimulator, some of which would reach down into the soil via the plug holes. The concentrated liquid Nutopa Grass root Stimulator is applied at a rate of 1/2 to 1 gallon per acre diluted in water. We estimate best effect from 1 gallon per acre after plugging and before seeding, with a follow-up application 1 month later at a rate of 1/2 gallon per acre. The combination of plugging, liquid fiber, overseeding, and organic fertilizer would be temporary, and would not completely solve the existing problem with the soil structure, but it could be used pending a complete renovation of the top 8 to 10 inches. There are two ways to approach complete renovation--one uses the existing Bermuda grass. You indicated consideration was being given to changing the type of Bermuda grass. So the second approach considers complete replacement of the Bermuda grass. Renovation Approach 1 - Use existing Bermuda grass.
1. Kill any annual rye. 2. Strip the top two inches of Bermuda grass and roots, and store temporarily in a controlled environment, adding sufficient moisture and air to prevent drying out. The plants would be stronger after storage if Nutopa Humic Soil Supplement was mixed with the water used to keep the plants moist. 3. Then till the next 8 inches of soil, adding 10% organic matter such as finely shredded composted material or even shredded wood. During the tilling process add 50 pounds per acre of Nutopa Humic Soil Supplement water absorber to enhance temperature and moisture stabilization with the soil structure. 4. Then shred the original 2 inches of Bermuda grass, roots, and soil, redistributing it over the renovated ground. You should probably overseed the Bermuda at the same time. 5. Lastly, topically apply (i.e. spray) Nutopa Humic Soil Supplement organic fertilizer at a rate of 2 gallons per acre as described above. Renovation Approach 2 - Plant a new Bermuda grass variety 1. Strip and dispose of the top two inches of Bermuda grass and roots. 2. Same as step 3 above except till down to 10 inches. 3. Install the new Bermuda grass. 4. Same as step 5 above. The results of either renvotion would be: - Approximately 50% reduction in water usage. - Increased tolerance of the grass plants, both Bermuda and rye, to both high daytime temperatures and cold nighttime temperatures. - Faster, thicker grass growth during the annual rye changeover period. Overseeded areas should be covered with healthy annual rye plants within two weeks. - Reduced dependence on frequent N-P-K use. Best regards, Charles L. Wilde