Effects of Venting Aeration on Neglected Bermudagrass Putting Greens

Abstract

Thatch accumulation is a serious management problem of bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis (Burtt-Davy)] putting greens. Excessive thatch can lead to increased disease incidence, reduced tolerance to environmental stress, and water management difficulties. Cultivation is a necessary aspect of moderating thatch accumulation in turf systems. Traditional cultivation techniques such as hollow-tine core aeration often lead to substantial damage to the turf playing surface. A field study was conducted at the Texas A&M Turfgrass Field Laboratory in College Station, TX, on a thatchy mature ‘Tifeagle,’ ‘Tifdwarf,’ and ‘Mini-Verde’ bermudagrass putting green having a USGA specified rootzone. Treatments compared effects of small diameter tine core aeration to venting aeration at three frequencies on thatch-mat accumulation, organic matter content, turf quality, and soil-water relationships. After two years, no treatments consistently reduced thatch accumulation compared to the non-cultivated control. Individual venting events were minimally disruptive to the putting surface, but frequent application reduced turf quality and saturated hydraulic conductivity over time. Results suggest venting aeration alone may not be an effective practice for thatch management or improving water infiltration if substantial undiluted organic matter layers exist.