Turf-Tec International
How to Analyze Common Grass Nutritional Problems on Golf Courses

Step 1:
Yellow Or Off-Colored Turf - Disease

Here are some common grass nutritional problems found on golf courses and ways for you to investigate them yourself.

YELLOW OR OFF COLORED TURF can be caused by numerous factors. The most common is nitrogen deficiency. However, if misdiagnosed and nitrogen levels are high, when more fertilizer is applied a loss of turfgrass can result. Inspect the off-colored area.

DISEASE can occur if nitrate nitrogen levels are in the high range. During this period be aware that this can occur, and if weather conditions are favorable for disease development, be on the look out.

Step 2:
Thin Turf That Responds Poorly To Fertilizer

THIN TURF OR TURF THAT RESPONDS POORLY TO FERTILIZER is usually caused by a soil pH imbalance. First the soil profile should be examined with a soil profile sampler to determine the grass root depth. Next the Turf-Tec pH Meter should be adjusted to the grass root level and the pH tested.

In addition, the layer of soil directly above and below the root zone should be checked to be sure pH is in balance in the complete soil profile. If pH is high or low, record the depth of the problem, aerify and lime to that layer or lime and apply irrigation adequately to allow the material to reach the desired depth.

Turf-Tec pH Meter

Turf-Tec pH Meter - PH1-N This pH Meter can be inserted directly into the soil and then the reading is given on the dial. Click here to see this item in the Turf-Tec Virtual Catalog

Step 3:
Fungicide and weed control that doesn't seem to get the desired affect.

Often spray solutions work better at different spray tank pH's.  In many instance, chemicals can be much less effective if the water used in mixing the chemicals is at the improper pH.  Turf-Tec offers two different pH Pens to allow the testing of tank mixes and spray solutions directly in the sprayer tank to insure proper results are achieved.  These pH Pens can also be used to determine pH in irrigation water directly at the sprinkler head and also at it's source.

pH Pen by Hannah	pH Pro Pen by Spectrum
pH Pen by Hannah - PHEP5-N Click here to see this item in the Turf-Tec Virtual Catalog	pH Pen by Spectrum - PHPRO-N Click here to see this item in the Turf-Tec Virtual Catalog

Step 4:
If turf is not growing properly you can test the soil to see if sodium levels are acceptable.

In many instances of poor quality turf, sodium can be blamed as the culprit.  Poor irrigation quality, lack of rainfall and fertilizer usage can all contribute to salinity buildup.  In addition, with greens with accessible drain lines, you can test the leachate (water coming out of the drains) to insure that the salts are being properly flushed from the soils.  This is an excellent testing method if you have USGA specification greens or greens with perched water tables.  By deeply irrigating and testing the leachate fro salts, you can insure the greens are getting a good "flushing" and not building up salts within the soil profile.

EC-PH Meter Pen	EC Soil Meter Probe
PH-EC Meter Pen This pen works by pulling soil samples and mixing it into a slurry, then inserting the EC Pen, it also tests pH. Click here to see this item in the Turf-Tec Virtual Catalog	ECM-1-N - EC Soil Meter Probe This probe works directly in the soil to determine EC levels. Click here to see this item in the Turf-Tec Virtual Catalog

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