Growing grass has come down to a science. No longer do we take out the spreader and broadcast a generic fertilizer when we have the capability to dial in precisely what the fertility needs of our grasses are.
In the following pics you see us spraying a green with a foliar fertilizer. In the tank we have about 8 different liquid products we are applying--each one with a specific nutrient or "mix" of nutrients. By applying fertilizers "foliarly"--meaning that the grass is taking the fertilizer in through the leaf tissue--we can determine the mode of uptake by the plant, keep them from growing too much too fast, and help them through the various stresses they go through during the growing season (heat, traffic, drought, disease, etc). Basically, we "spoon feed" the greens throughout the year and try to keep them on a fine line of being somewhat "hungry". This makes for ideal greens conditions. If they are too lush then green speeds may be compromised (see previous post!) and if too lean then they become more susceptible to disease, traffic damage, and will start to look chlorotic or "yellow".
It is common for superintendents to adjust the greens fertility based upon golfing or maintenance schedules. For example, when preparing for a big tournament it is not uncommon for supers to "lean out" the greens to help speed them up. By doing this, growth is limited and there is less resistance to ball roll. You may have noticed that some golf tournaments on TV have "yellower" greens. It's probably not your TV set, but likely that the superintendent has cut back on the fertility to help speed up his greens. Sometimes you can "mask" this infertility by applying iron. Iron gives you a green color by not the growth. Kinda like the beer commercial --"tastes great, less filling"...
Also, it is not uncommon for a super to "juice up" his greens when preparing to go into a stressful period. For example, when preparing for aerification I will generally increase the fertility to help in the post-healing process. (Look for pics of that in September.)
This is another part of my job that I LOVE. Talking fertilizer is especially exciting for me!! Come by anytime and we will chat!! What? I should get out more?
