Below is my article for the winter edition of the Nebraska Golfer Magazine. This magazine is presented by the NGA and they always do a fine job. Here is a link to the winter edition. Take some time to read through it.
What a fall we have had up to this point in the year! In my
time in the industry, I can’t recall a better scenario for our golf course as
we enter the winter months.
Temperatures were consistently above normal, but not so
warm that they prevented the dormancy process. We have experienced some cooler
stretches, but avoided the extreme cold snaps and fluctuations that could cause
damage to the turf before it was completely dormant. The
warmer than normal weather was enjoyable and with any luck this will be the overall trend this winter.
Soil moisture levels are also in good shape. Our recent
precipitation events have been timely, consistently spaced apart and long in
duration. We had a number of day long rain/snow events. Drawn out
precipitation events allow for maximum moisture absorption into the soil
profile. This absorption process had added value as most came after everyone had blown out
their irrigation systems.
As winter sets in, superintendents prepare to deal with
the unique set of challenges the season presents. Drought, wind exposure,
extreme temperatures, and ice are a few of the most obvious challenges. One of
the most difficult, however, might be making the decision of whether or not to
allow winter play.
The golfer and superintendent often find themselves in
disagreement on this topic. It can become a highly charged conversation with course
owners and board members as well.This is understandable though as the effect
of winter play is rarely visible in real time. The effects of winter play are
subtle, accumulating, and long lasting. Often times the damage incurred over
the winter doesn’t become obvious until the next growing season.
The turf plant is actually quite tough and capable of recovery
from significant injury when actively growing. During the growing season, the
plant has the ability to regenerate tissue and recovery from damage in
relatively short order. This recuperative ability is lacking, however, when the
turf is dormant. The damage caused during winter play will persist until the
next growing season. Repeated damage accumulates over time and can severely
thin a stand of turf.
Soil compaction caused from winter play is even more
difficult to visualize or quantify but the effects are real. If soil moisture
levels are high, compaction becomes a real issue. Soils rely on a number of processes
for drying out during the summer months. Evaporation, evapotranspiration, and
water movement through the soil profile are processes that dry soils. All of
these processes are significantly hindered in the winter. Cool temperatures
slow evaporation, dormant turf has less need for evapotranspiration and frozen
soil profiles prevent water movement and drainage. This leaves partially thawed
and saturated soils prone to severe compaction. Again, this is a cumulative
problem and one that won’t show its symptoms until the next growing season.
Finally, if play is allowed on a partially thawed soil
profile, the potential for root shearing becomes greater. When soils are thawed
they are, for lack of a better term, flexible. As you walk, the plant and its
root zone shifts under your weight. The soil “flexibility” cushions the root
and allows it to shift with the soil. When a soil is partially frozen the interface
between the frozen and thawed soils becomes a shear point. As the thawed soil
moves under the weight of a golfer, the frozen soil, which contains the bottom
portion of the root system, remains static. This can cause roots to tear at
this interface. Once again, this is another issue that isn’t visible and
doesn’t show its symptoms until the growing season.
It is easy to assume that superintendents are simply being
over protective when they are trying to curtail winter play, but understand
that in most cases, there are legitimate reasons that these decisions are made.
Do we sometimes err on the side of caution when deciding whether or not to
allow winter play? Probably, but that is because it is very difficult to assess
its effects on turf health. We must strike a balance between appeasing the
customer, generating revenue, and protecting the course during in its most
vulnerable time. We weigh all these factors, then try and make the best
decision for everyone involved.
We all appreciate your patience regarding the decision
making process and always invite any questions.
I have had a great time contributing to the publication this
year. I appreciate the opportunity and hope to continue next year. Have a great
holiday season.
