Tuesday 5 March 2013

Fertiliser applications

This week we are concentrating on the spring fertiliser applications to fairways, semi, worn areas, greens and surrounds. Firstly we have applied some potassium nitrate to semi rough areas around greens that have worn and got trampled through out winter. The potassium nitrate is an instantly available form of nitrogen so works at low temperatures with quick response on the turf. As it is instantly available it is applied at low rates, we applied a 13-0-46 at 15g/m. This could last up to 6 weeks, however we will reapply as and when needed.
We also have been applying a slow release fertiliser to all fairways. This is a 5 month controlled release 24-5-10 granular fertiliser.It is only applied once per season in spring, releasing when conditions for growth are more favourable, although there is a portion of initial release within the product. This will ensure the fairways receive the nutrition they require for healthy growth without peaks and troughs of growth. The 24-5-10 product was applied at 25g/m. We also used this fertiliser around greens where growth can be sporadic and in the same worn areas as we spread the potassium nitrate. The idea being we have the initial kick of growth with a longer release for a continual  dense sward around the greens.
 15th yesterday
9th today
Tomorrow we will be applying a 4-0-8 +iron granular fertiliser to greens and surrounds at 30g/m which will provide 12kg/N/ha. This product is ammoniacal nitrogen, ideal for use at lower temperatures but with a safer release compared to potassium nitrate.
Other jobs currently under way are hedge cutting, which is still ongoing, currently working around the 18th green.
We also have a stump grinder here for a few days grinding out the stumps from the hedge between 18 and 19, also the stumps that were left from the tree work carried out last week.


About Me

Im the Head Greenkeeper at Malton and Norton Golf Club. I began my greenkeeping career at Malton and Norton Golf Club straight from school as an Assistant Greenkeeper. Wanting to climb the greenkeeping ladder I gained my NVQ level 2 and 3 at Askham Bryan College. I continued with my education gaining a HNC in golf course management and took the position of Deputy Head Greenkeeper at Malton and Norton Golf Club in 2005.In 2008 I was promoted to the position of Head Greenkeeper, leading a team of 6 hard working and dedicated Greenkeepers. Our aim is to continue to improve the condition of the course year on year maintaining our high reputation within the area.