For example. We like our greens to role at a certain speed. But we also need the turf to have the ability to recover against wear, defend against diseases and perform under environmental stresses. All these factors can be directly impacted by fertility. Too much nitrogen and the greens are lush and slow, as well susceptible to certain diseases. So on a season where I hear a lot of positive feedback regarding green speed I can look to the fertility values and correlate that data with conditions. I think that last season our greens consistently performed better than they have during my time here. One of the biggest factors was the fertility plan I had in place. It only took me 8 seasons to dial it in! Below is a graph showing the total of macro nutrients applied to the greens since 2009. Through the course of the season I believe I want to be applying around 2.75lbs - 3lbs of Nitrogen/1000ft sq (Click on graph to enlarge).
Not only is this information a good tool for the aforementioned reasons, but when you look at total quantities it makes me at least think about the environmental impact. Being located in the Lake Nepahwin watershed we have a responsibility to ensure that our inputs don't cause any undue harm to that water source. For that reason I have chosen to stop any granular applications of phosphorus on the property. There are two exceptions to the rule though. One being is if we have a phosphorus deficiency, second being if we are growing from seed. We do however apply it in very minute quantities in liquid form which is taken up readily by the plant and greatly reduces the chances of leaching. The greens and approaches and the fairways are the only areas where it is applied. The graph below shows the significant decrease in phosphorus applied to the 78.5 acres of maintained turf on our property since 2009 (Click on graph to enlarge).
Since phosphorus is always the nutrient that is the topic of contention, I will use it to put things into perspective. The average square footage of a Canadian home is 2000 square feet. If we follow our input amounts in 2016 that would be like spreading .2lbs of baking flour evenly over that area. On top of that it is being applied in the most economical and environmentally friendly way which is through our sprayer in minute quantities. For example the amounts range from .001lbs -.1lbs/1000 ft sq. I hope this gives some insight at just how much we monitor fertilizer inputs and how they impact the turf on which you play the game. I love a good graph!
Jay Sisko
Golf Course Superintendent
