Managing Bermudagrass Turf

 

This book provides turf managers with a thorough understanding on the requirements of producing quality couchgrass playing surfaces. There is a brief section on different couchgrass cultivars but does not review many of the varieties that are available on the Australian market today. The book provides detailed information on golf green planting and establishment, although as with most American publications quantities are primarily given in imperial measurements. 

There is a detailed section on the management of couchgrass greens covering topics such as cultural practices, overseeding and stresses imposed on the grass. Cultural practices include irrigation or water management, covering issues of water quality and watering frequency.  The section on fertilising provides a detailed explanation as to the nutritional requirements of couch and the function and source of each element, including micronutrients.

Cultivation practices cover the much-debated renovation topic of coring, spiking, slicing, vertical mowing, topdressing and oversowing. Oversowing of couchgrass greens is a very common practice in the US and this is reflected by a concise but comprehensive section in the book. It provides details on timing and techniques as well as post-seeding maintenance then winter management and the spring transition.
There is also a brief section on the management of ultra-dwarf couchgrasses.

The middle of the book contains around 60 photographs illustrating various aspects of couchgrass maintenance.

The chapter on stresses refers to shade implications, the use of poor water quality and recommendations to overcome the impact as well as low temperature stress which thankfully is rarely a major problem in the Australian climate, at least not snow.

The last section of the book gives a detailed account of weeds both broadleaf and grassy that affects couchgrass playing surfaces. Tables are provided as reference for herbicide effectiveness on such weeds

As well as weeds, insects and nematodes are discussed with control recommendations. The section on disease is thorough and discusses diseases such as brown patch, dollar spot, fairy ring, spring dead spot, pythium and bermudagrass decline.

Overall, this is an excellent publication for those superintendents with not only couchgrass greens but also those with couchgrass tees and fairways.