Since the rainy season is upon us, we would like to discuss the need to have carts on paths during certain periods this time of year. Soil Science 101 tells us all soils are the most susceptible to compaction during wet periods. Compacted soils do not allow the proper air and water movement through the profile to allow viable growth. Due to the high amount of traffic on golf course playing surfaces (especially golf cars), compaction can become a serious issue inhibiting the ability to provide quality playing conditions. Along with compaction, the turfgrass is not able to recover as quickly as the summer months due to shorter days and cooler (soil temperatures) weather. It is essential we control the use of golf cars on the playing surfaces during the winter months.
Golf car traffic especially around greens and tees tends concentrate in specific areas hence the need for the gate system year round when golf cars are allowed on the playing surfaces. Soil compaction caused by golf cars reduces the shoot growth rate and the recuperative potential of turfgrass. A good example would be if you parked your car in the same location in your home lawn every day, what would the condition of the turf be? Compaction reduces air and water porosity within the soil as well as water movement through the soil profile. Soil compaction can impact turf growth for several weeks and even months, resulting in the total loss of turf cover and chronic problems with poor drainage and the invasion of weeds that prefer compacted soils.
As you can see, it is VERY important that we manage golf car traffic, not only in the winter months due to the wet soils, but that we adhere to the gate system in the summer months to provide our membership with the best possible playing conditions year round. We appreciate your cooperation on this extremely important agronomy program.
Yours in turf,
Stacy l. Wallace, Golf Course Superintendent
Sonoma Agronomy 