Thatch is defined as the living and non-living material located
between green turfgrass leaves and the underlying soil.
Bermudagrass turf in the Florida Region accumulates a large
amount of organic matter, and it is best to use the terms
"thatch" and organic matter or "mat". In this case, thatch is
the layer of turfgrass stems located just below the green leaf
canopy and mat is the dark organic material located under
thatch. Some thatch and mat is necessary for surface resiliency
and nutrient retention, but excessive thatch can cause major
issues with playability and turf health.
 The
issue of thatch and organic matter is discussed often during
summer TAS visits in the Florida Region as golfers complain
about cultivation programs like core aeration, vertical mowing,
and sand topdressing. In fact, a common phrase at many golf
courses we visit is, "Our superintendent just loves to poke
holes in the turf. It seems like the holes are just filling in,
when he/she is right back on them poking more holes!" Let’s face
it, no golfer likes to play on bumpy, sandy putting greens that
have just been aerated, and summer cultivation can be quite an
annoyance. Unfortunately, aggressive cultivation programs are
necessary to maintain premium playing conditions and these
practices must take place during periods of optimum turf
recovery (i.e. the summer months). This generally equates to
some type of cultivation occurring during much of the summer
season.
Excessive thatch and organic matter is a primary stress on
bermudagrass putting greens. It causes greens to remain
saturated in the upper rootzone, reducing oxygen uptake and
encouraging root decline. Saturated conditions also can
encourage diseases like Pythium as well.
The old saying "Pay me now or pay me later" is certainly true
for managing thatch and organic matter. The inconvenience of
paying now and tolerating less than ideal playing conditions for
several days is often far less painful than enduring diseased,
weak putting greens or large scale turf thinning.
Source: Todd Lowe, tlowe@usga.org or 941-828-2625 |
