Convert Fwys to CB to Rdc Inputs

Turfgrass species and variety are important drivers of nutrient, pesticide and water inputs required to provide adequate playing conditions. Fairways represent the largest finely mowed surface on a golf course where the greatest benefits of reducing inputs can be realized, especially in Northern climates when transitioning from a poor performing mixed stand with significant populations of annual bluegrass. For example, reductions in irrigation and fertilizer requirements of creeping bentgrass (Jacobs & Gross, 2019; Dobie, 2020) as well as fairway fungicide use (Bekken et al., 2021) suggest that ROI of installing creeping bentgrass (CB) can be as little as 1.3 years (Jacobs & Gross, 2019). Despite the benefits, golf facilities often reject the investment in converting surfaces to new grasses due to cost and disruption to play. In general, due to the pervasiveness of annual bluegrass and its’ persistence in the seedbank, there is often no assurances for Superintendents that a conversion will successfully lead to a thorough shift in species populations. Therefore, a decision-making strategy must address the time frame, planting strategy and follow-up care to ensure new species success. It is important to determine if CB is a suitable replacement prior to any turfgrass conversion program.

For example, any site modification that improves light penetration (tree removal) or drainage will provide long-term insurance on the conversion. Additionally, large scale installation of CB must recognize the potential for organic matter accumulation among the creeping bentgrasses. This will require significant shifts in nutrient management to minimize the need for large scale cultivation and/or sand topdressing. Options for conversion fall into two categories. The first is a methodical approach focusing on exclusion of weaker grasses to allow gradual transition to CB, while the second could be classified as a “total reset”, aimed at eliminating the old sward and rapidly replacing it with CB. The methodical approach slowly weakens the less desirable species with plant growth regulators and herbicides, overseeds desirable species, and alters cultural practices to favor the desirable species. This method is often visible to golfers as the annual bluegrass steadily declines and occasional “over regulation” of CB can reduce visual quality. However, many have successfully navigated this method through effective communication. Aggressive “reset” conversion programs require complete eradication of existing stand and sometimes

Aerification is an essential step in the seedbed preparation process.

Converting Fairways to Creeping Bentgrass to Reduce Inputs

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