Ecological Golf Course Management

 

In the old world of turfgrass maintenance, keeping turf as healthy as possible was seen as the first line of defence against problems, with particular attention paid to soil fertility, soil structure and organic matter. In the 1950s and 1960s that all changed, with many books and articles published on turfgrass maintenance espousing the use of the newest and most powerful chemicals to combat even the slightest of problems.

Now in the 21st Century we find the industry has almost come full circle.  The arsenal of chemicals once available is either being slowly restricted from use through legislation or banned altogether, while many turf managers are adopting increasingly eco-friendly cultural practices.

This book by American authors Paul Sachs and Richard Luff explores the vast array of ecological golf course management principles and examines biological and botanical pest controls, plant stress management, compost production and use, natural disease suppressants, biological fertility management, soil, leaf tissue and water analysis, and the ecological impact of conventional pesticides and cultural practices.

The book provides information substantiated by scientific research as well as anecdotal and empirical evidence provided by superintendents and turf managers. Luff himself is a former superintendent and is currently general manager of the Sagamore Hampton Golf Club, which has been maintained ecologically since 1962.

Having respect for the ecosystem that sustains turf is a message which resounds throughout the book, with the authors believing that while the system nature provides cannot be improved upon, it can, to a certain degree, be persuaded to produce a better landscape.

What the authors propose in the book is to partially or perhaps completely liberate the modern superintendent from chemical dependence by suggesting methods that don’t adversely affect the game or the appearance of the course, but dramatically reduce the need for pesticides and other chemicals. 

While not claiming to provide a precise formula for every course, the book presents alternatives and information that should enable superintendents to consider or even invent different ways of solving problems that may include some botanical or biological biocides, changing cultural practices, or just cultivating a healthier and more biologically active ecosystem.