Full TGIF Record # 115840
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Web URL(s):https://gsrpdf.lib.msu.edu/?file=/2000s/2006/060901.pdf
    Last checked: 01/25/2017
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Publication Type:
i
Professional
Author(s):Zontek, Stanley J.
Author Affiliation:Director, United States Golf Association Green Section Mid-Atlantic Region
Title:Understanding and managing mechanical damage: Are you hurting your greens without knowing it?
Source:USGA Green Section Record. September/October 2006, p. 1-5.
Publishing Information:Far Hills, NJ: United States Golf Association, Green Section
# of Pages:5
Keywords:TIC Keywords: Golf greens; Injuries; Scalping; Mowing height; Golf green speed; Golf green maintenance
Abstract/Contents:Discusses direct and indirect mechanical damage on putting greens, stating that "direct and indirect forms of mechanical damage are becoming an increasingly widespread problem worldwide on putting greens." Defines direct mechanical damage as scalped grass, an "accute form of turf injury." Lists possible causes of scalped grass: "the mower is not properly adjusted"; "the mower is damaged or falls out of adjustment"; "the grass becomes soft and puffy due to hot, humid, and wet weather, and/or when the grass is over-fertilized"; "the grass 'rebounds' from growth regulator applications"; or "the mowing height is lowered and mowing frequency is increased for special events." Also defines indirect mechanical damage, stating that is "is [a] much more subtle way to weaken and injure grass." States that "this type of injury is more common on older golf courses, especially compared to newer golf courses that have modern sand-based greens and new-generation grasses growing on them." Disucsses damage-protection and stress management techniques, including raising mowing heights, mowing less often, rolling greens, using growth regulators, topdressing, using balanced and adequate fertilizers, applying light amounts of fertilizer, aeration, proper irrigation, deferring regular maintenance, and communication. Concludes that "historically, when greens were being cut at 1/4 inch (6mm) or even 5/32 inch (4mm), lowering the mowing heights, a few thousandths of an inch seldom produced many ill effects to the grass. Today, this has changed. Our ultra-low mowing heights have themselves become a stress factor that can trigger all kind of problems that can threaten the health and playability of greens. There is little margin for error with today's low mowing heights and high golfer expectations."
Language:English
References:0
Note:Pictures, color
ASA/CSSA/SSSA Citation (Crop Science-Like - may be incomplete):
Zontek, S. J. 2006. Understanding and managing mechanical damage: Are you hurting your greens without knowing it?. USGA Green Sec. Rec. p. 1-5.
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https://gsrpdf.lib.msu.edu/?file=/2000s/2006/060901.pdf
    Last checked: 01/25/2017
    Requires: PDF Reader
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MSU catalog number: SB 433.15 .U84
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