Worm problems

This time of the year always is the worst period for worm casts. I think this is due to the changing of temperatures and more importantly higher soil moisture content, which brings them closer to the surface. Recently the chemical we use to control casting of worms has been revoked, Carbendazim, used as a suppressant isn't great for the environment due to its hormone disruptive effects, carcinogenicity and its toxicity to micro organisms and aquatic life. This will no longer be available from August 2017.

This will have a massive impact on the way we and everyone else on a soil based sports playing surface can maintain and present their turf. There currently is NO other alternatives for controlling worm casts, we hope that something will be available within this coming year, but at present there is nothing that will effectively control casts for a long period of time.

Many may think that, or take it for granted we don't have a big problem with casts here at Malton and Norton Golf Club, below is an area I have not treated on the driving range to show how bad playing surfaces could get if we have no control.

In this instance there are sufficient casts that cutting alone would be severely effected, casts blunt mowers, build up on rollers and smother grass every time we try to cut. On the driving range, casts build up to a point we are unable to use the collection machine and have to pick balls by hand. From a golfers point of view preferred lies would have to be used a lot more and no golfer would be happy playing from a muddy lie or walking through muddy areas to access tees, greens and across fairways. With the end result of more course closures due to ground conditions. This is a serious issue that is going to have to be communicated throughout the sports industry and to members of this golf club, we are hopeful over time we will find an alternative but there is no guarantee.

We are talking to other clubs and trailing techniques and other products to see if we can reduce casts and improve presentation and cut quality without relying on Carbendazim. I will update the club with any progress or information on this matter over the coming months.