Bentgrass Conversion
A bentgrass conversion program is underway on the putting greens. The program consists of overseeding the greens in the spring and late summer seasons, the use of turfgrass growth regulators and through providing growing conditions that favor creeping bentgrass. The conversion process will require patience as bentgrass populations slowly increase in the green surfaces. The process could require five-six years before a significant gain in the grass populations become apparent. Achieving surfaces that are 50–60% bentgrass would be considered a success. Bentgrass is a more desirable species where green sites can support the plants. Bentgrass has a deeper more vigorous root system that allows it to be maintained with less water. It is generally a more durable plant that can hold up to heat stress and cold temperatures and is more resistant to disease.
Successful conversion with this process will require some time and likely some pain. That is the …show more content…
The bentgrass has a slightly more coarse texture especially under growth regulation. The textural differences can be managed through the topdressing as is being done and especially with light grooming or routine brushing practices. Grooming is an effective practice and is done on a weekly basis. The grooming would be completed in a very shallow depth (at bedknife height) to tickle the surfaces. The other option is to use push brooms attached to the mowing units or to consider rotary brush kits for a triplex machine. Precision has developed brush units that are popular for use in bermudagrass and bentgrass greens. I cannot comment on the impacts of regular brushing on annual bluegrass but it would be interesting to have the brush units demonstrated to observe their effects on the greens. I will try to find out more information on the impacts of more regular brushing on annual
A bentgrass conversion program is underway on the putting greens. The program consists of overseeding the greens in the spring and late summer seasons, the use of turfgrass growth regulators and through providing growing conditions that favor creeping bentgrass. The conversion process will require patience as bentgrass populations slowly increase in the green surfaces. The process could require five-six years before a significant gain in the grass populations become apparent. Achieving surfaces that are 50–60% bentgrass would be considered a success. Bentgrass is a more desirable species where green sites can support the plants. Bentgrass has a deeper more vigorous root system that allows it to be maintained with less water. It is generally a more durable plant that can hold up to heat stress and cold temperatures and is more resistant to disease.
Successful conversion with this process will require some time and likely some pain. That is the …show more content…
The bentgrass has a slightly more coarse texture especially under growth regulation. The textural differences can be managed through the topdressing as is being done and especially with light grooming or routine brushing practices. Grooming is an effective practice and is done on a weekly basis. The grooming would be completed in a very shallow depth (at bedknife height) to tickle the surfaces. The other option is to use push brooms attached to the mowing units or to consider rotary brush kits for a triplex machine. Precision has developed brush units that are popular for use in bermudagrass and bentgrass greens. I cannot comment on the impacts of regular brushing on annual bluegrass but it would be interesting to have the brush units demonstrated to observe their effects on the greens. I will try to find out more information on the impacts of more regular brushing on annual