Amendments and Construction Systems for Improving the Performance of Sand‐Based Putting Greens

Abstract

Physical and chemical properties of root zone mixes and methods of green construction are important considerations for improving turfgrass quality for putting greens. This study compared ‘Penncross’ creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.) performance as affected by three root zone construction systems with three amendments (sand, peat, and zeolite). The objective of this study was to determine if an amended California construction system would improve green performance during establishment (1998–1999) and maturation (2000–2001). Three treatments were tested: California (100% sand), USGA (90% sand and 10% peat, v/v), and California‐Z (85% sand and 15% zeolite, v/v). Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block with four replicates. Physical and chemical properties of the root zone and bentgrass performance were compared for the treatments. The California‐Z treatment had the highest saturated hydraulic conductivity and field infiltration rate and the lowest bulk density. It also had the highest cation exchange capacity and plant available nutrient concentrations among the three treatments. The California‐Z treatment produced bentgrass quality and color during green establishment and maturation that were equal to or higher than the California treatment and consistently higher than the USGA treatment. The addition of an inorganic amendment to the California system improved physical and chemical properties of the root zone and improved quality and color of bentgrass during green establishment. During green maturation, creeping bentgrass in the California‐Z treatment was equal (6 of 15 sampling dates) or 20% higher (9 of 15 dates) in quality compared with the California system.