USGA Green Section Record, November 4, 2016 Share: Like 0 Share Tweet Managing Organic Matter in Putting Greens By Adam Moeller and Todd Lowe Soft playing conditions, deep ball marks, inconsistent green speed and bumpy putting surfaces frustrate golfers and golf course superintendents. If golfers and superintendents both want firm and smooth putting greens, why do some facilities struggle to achieve these conditions? Putting greens might be temporarily soft or inconsistent for many reasons, such as recent rainfall, but when there are chronic issues, the underlying problem is often excessive organic matter just beneath the putting surface. This article will assist golf course superintendents and the golf community by describing the most effective programs for managing organic matter in putting greens. Read More Multimedia Content Webcast: Weight Loss on Ignition Video: Identifying Problem Greens Concerned whether or not soil organic matter is affecting the turf health and playability of playing surfaces but not quite sure how to determine if your concerns are justified? Collecting soil samples and having them analyzed using the weight-loss-on-ignition method is one way to start. Here's how. Have you ever noticed one or two greens that just don't seem to look or play the same as the others? Not all greens are created equal and several factors ultimately affect putting green performance. Learn what to look for if you're trying to troubleshoot a few problem greens; the issues may be surprisingly easy to address. Watch Now Watch Now Green Section Collection: Managing Soil Organic Matter These interactive digital collections include additional supporting articles, a photo gallery and videos that provide relevant information on the primary subject. The collections can be viewed online in a user-friendly digital magazine format, saved as a PDF or printed. Read More Research You Should Know Fore The Golfer Aging USGA Putting Greens Part of the challenge of managing putting greens is adapting to changes in the root zone that occur as greens age. But what causes root zone characteristics to change and what effect do those changes have on putting green performance? Researchers at the University of Nebraska are addressing these questions. Make More Birdies by Controlling Organic Matter Does it seem like every time you play golf, the greens are covered in sand or aeration holes? Believe it or not, the superintendent is helping you make more birdies by causing these short-term disruptions in playing quality. Managing organic matter is the name of the game, and here's why it's important. Read More Read More Regional Updates West Region Having problems with waterfowl fowling up playing surfaces? Learn five ways golf courses are minimizing the damage caused by coots. Northeast Region Late-season warmth is a treat for golfers, but balancing fall projects with leaf cleanup, frost delays and staff reduction can be tricky. View Update View Update Central Region Short days and cool nights have nearly shut down turf growth on fairways, but earthworm activity has increased, making some golfers feel like they are hitting more shots off mud than grass. Southeast Region Mention fungi and people tend to cringe, especially golf course superintendents. However, not all fungi are bad; most aren’t even pathogenic. These fungi can even help suppress turfgrass pathogens. View Update View Update Are you a current subscriber to the USGA Green Section Record? Subscribers receive the latest information on golf course management, turfgrass culture, environmental issues, research and economic sustainability delivered to their inboxes twice per month. Subscribe Today United States Golf Association 77 Liberty Corner Road Far Hills, NJ 07931 908.234.2300 CONTACT US Stay connected with the USGA IMPORTANT LINKS USGA Privacy Policy USGA Green Section Home Page USGA Staff Contact Information Course Consulting Service Information USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research Online (TERO) ©2016 by United States Golf Association® Policies for the Reuse of USGA Green Section Publications USGA Green Section publications are made available through the courtesy of the United States Golf Association (USGA®). The reuse of these materials is authorized only if the following conditions are met in their entirety. This policy applies to all Green Section publications, including articles, videos, presentations, and webcasts. 1) Adherence to all components of our Conditions for Reuse policy. 2) Inclusion of the appropriate Reprint Permission Language. 3) Notification of your Intent To Reprint Content. The USGA Green Section Record (ISSN 2156-5813) is published twice monthly via electronic mail by the United States Golf Association®. http://myemail.constantcontact.com/USGA-Green-Section-Record--November-4--2016.html?soid=1103157499740&aid=hYoFbzNKvvk[11/4/2016 1:18:46 PM]