Soil Biology*

FineGolf in its quest for improvement in greens performance and reduction in greenkeeping maintenance costs, explores the soil biology issues behind the promotion of fine perennial grasses in their fight with annual meadow grass (Poa annua).

Jim Arthur (the world leading golf turf agronomist), I am told well understood the importance of getting the soil biology of the rootzone right within his conservationist greenkeeping methods, but the ‘science’ of soil biology had hardly appeared to the commercial world from within academic research by the time of his death in 2005 and it is predominantly the practical use rather than the ‘science of microbes and fungi ‘ that are mentioned in his bible of greenkeeping ‘Practical greenkeeping’ published by The R&A and available HERE.

In recent years, as research techniques and knowledge of soil biology have improved a number of companies have developed management regimes and products to help greenkeepers develop the soil biology needed to grow fine perennial grass and FineGolf is pleased to have a good relationship with Symbio the leader in the field, a company that has pioneered university research into discovering the practical benefits and is an accredited training supplier to the Greenkeepers Training Committee.

Martin Ward

Martin Ward, Symbio’s founder has written for FineGolf a series of articles explaining the subject to non-experts. For advice contact kerr.hunter@symbio.co.uk 07966 786743

Another expert in this field is ‘master greenkeeper’ John Quinn who advises both golf and bowls greens and owns Bowls-central.  FineGolf is also privileged to publish his advice and he welcomes people to be in touch with him.  john@bowls-central.co.uk  07939 149103

CLICK HERE to read an introductory article on the history of greenkeeping soil biology

CLICK HERE to read Martin’s second article on creating the environment for annual meadow grass (Poa annua) to migrate into perennial fine grasses.

CLICK HERE to read John Quinn’s article on how to develop performance greens.

CLICK HERE for Symbio’s website.