Full TGIF Record # 138027
Item 1 of 1
Web URL(s):https://archive.lib.msu.edu/tic/grnma/article/2008jun10.pdf
    Last checked: 1/12/2009
    Requires: PDF Reader
Access Restriction:Certain MSU-hosted archive URLs may be restricted to legacy database members.
Publication Type:
i
Professional
Author(s):Jordan, Katerina
Author Affiliation:Plant Pathologist and Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph
Title:Why you shouldn't ignore thatch
Source:GreenMaster. Vol. 43, No. 3, June 2008, p. 10-13.
Publishing Information:Richmond Hill, Ontario: Kenilworth Publishing Inc.
# of Pages:4
Keywords:TIC Keywords: Thatch; Thatch accumulation; Topdressing; Golf greens; Tissues; Mat; Disease susceptibility; Soil water movement; Root damage; Thatch control; Nitrogen fertilization; Pesticide use; Root growth; Irrigation practices; Soil pH; Vertical mowing; Aerification; Compaction; Coring
Abstract/Contents:Discusses thatch management, explaining that "thatch is the intermingled layer of undecomposed organic material between the turf canopy and soil surface." States that "thatch and mat play an important role in cushioning the turf surface, improving wear tolerance, decreasing soil compaction and protecting the crown of the plant." Lists issues that can be caused by thatch accumulation, including "increased pest damage"; "decreased water and nutrient retention"; "reduced water infiltration"; "increased potential for localized dry spots"; "decreased root health"; "reduced tolerance to extreme temperatures"; "reduced efficacy of certain pesticides"; and "higher potential for scalping and crown damage." Suggests using smaller amounts of nitrogen and watering turf deeply and infrequently as potential techniques for reducing thatch accumulation." Concludes that "the important thing to remember about thatch levels is that they need to be monitored each season, since there are so many factors that can affect accumulation, including the weather itself. There is no doubt that excess thatch is detrimental to turfgrass growth, regardless of what part of the golf course is affected. Although many thatch reduction maintenance practices are disruptive, a couple of weeks of less-than-ideal playing conditions is well worth it in the long run. Turf will be healthier and more stress tolerant."
Language:English
References:4
Note:Reprint appears in Sports Turf Manager, 21(3) Autumn 2008, p. 17, 19-22
Pictures, color
ASA/CSSA/SSSA Citation (Crop Science-Like - may be incomplete):
Jordan, K. 2008. Why you shouldn't ignore thatch. GreenMaster. 43(3):p. 10-13.
Fastlink to access this record outside TGIF: https://tic.msu.edu/tgif/flink?recno=138027
If there are problems with this record, send us feedback about record 138027.
Choices for finding the above item:
Web URL(s):
https://archive.lib.msu.edu/tic/grnma/article/2008jun10.pdf
    Last checked: 1/12/2009
    Requires: PDF Reader
Find Item @ MSU
MSU catalog number: b2198865a
Request through your local library's inter-library loan service (bring or send a copy of this TGIF record)