Where's the DATA? 2,400 Data-points, 8 weeks, split green substra
The Florida test actually began in Texas, as a Texas facility (TF) GCS engaged with the developer of the technology, HCT, LLC (HCT). The TF was also subscribed to a weekly data subscription to Turf Dietitian (TD), having near weekly data of water, soil and tissue for the past at least 2 years. TD observed the changes from the application of WaterSOLV which sparked their interest in evaluating the technology and the Split Green Data Project was born.
We split the 3 test greens in half and sprayed the products weekly on one half to establish a check area for each green. We then soil tested, and tissue tested both halves weekly to monitor the changes between the check area and treated area. All greens were sprayed weekly and each were sprayed at a different rate. Green 1 was sprayed at a 1X rate, green 2 at a 2X rate and green 3 at a 3 X rate.
Saturation Index & Organic Matter
For the first 4 weeks of the trial both SI and OM showed fluctuation, after which began to show positive improvement in the physical properties of the soil. Although the improvement may not look significant, it actually is when you consider the change is over a two-month period. Also, the test was conducted in the peak of rain and plant growth season when these factors usually increase.
My theory for the positive changes in the SI and OM, is that before the HCT were applied the natural soil aging process was becoming problematic. Insoluble compounds formed layers and plugged up air pore space. When water begins to occupy air pore space, oxygen is significantly reduced. The positive change in physical soil structure will extend the lifespan of the soil and make it much easier to manage the water and oxygen ratio in the soil, which in turn improves turf quality and plant health. It’s going to make your job easier.
My analysis for applying higher than the recommended rate simply shows quicker results. All three rates are going to get you to the result you are wishing to see, it just becomes a decision for you on how fast you need to see results. If your soil structure challenges are critical, I recommend using the higher rate to prevent turf loss. However, if you are just in need of maintaining and preventing soil decline use the recommended rate and be more patient.
It does appear that there is a point in which applying a higher rate than needed is counterproductive and may eventually cause the reverse challenge of moving water too quickly. Because of the effectiveness of the HCT products you will need to monitor more frequently to develop a prescription program which will save money. HCT products are unique, because the recommended rates are frequently reduced.
Soil Solution, Soil Reserve, Plant Tissue
In soil solution the first 2 to 3 weeks of the test showed a quick rise in solution sodium and drop in solution calcium, which was opposite of what we expected. After week 3 we began to see a constant positive change to the ratio of calcium and sodium. The stabilization and uptake of the strongly bound forms of Ca became immediately available in solution for plant uptake, which is proven in the soil reserve and plant tissue data.
In soil reserve the change was more consistent and gradual than soil solution. Again, this makes perfect since, because changes are more permanent and gradual in soil reserve than that of changes in solution.
The plant tissue test is where the proof of the overall positive changes to the soil and plant are identified. Except for the first few weeks on green one, the changes are mostly similar to what happened in soil reserve.
My theory for the positive changes in all three sets of data, is that insoluble calcium compounds are more tightly bound and require more time to breakdown than the easily soluble sodium compounds. Once more calcium becomes available, the plant is going to take more up more calcium due to mass flow. This change in nutrient balance, makes it much easier for you to manage and manipulate problematic sodium soils.
Analysis shows applying higher than the recommended rate simply shows quicker results, but all three rates are going to get you to the result you are wishing to see. If your sodium challenges are critical, I recommend using the higher rate to prevent turf loss. However, if you are just in need of a better sodium management program use the recommended rate and be more patient.
It does appear to me that there is a point in which applying a higher rate than needed is unnecessary, and you will eventually cut back down to the recommend rate. I do believe that at some point, even the heaviest soils reach a point of depletion, therefor this is a product that will need to be monitored more frequently to develop a prescription program for each individual golf course. One size does not fit all.
Comments
OM Reduction likely attributed to biofilms of which are not differentiated by OM tests (conventional agronomy).
While sodium is reduced, reduction is attributed to infiltration. Vitality of the tissue in the presence of sodium and or chloride is attributed to disassociation of chloride from sodium and calcium, and protonation of the sodium electron rendering sodium inert to cell wall damage and chloride degassed.
Fairy ring dissipated over 3-4 weeks’ time.
Fusarium dissipated.
