[USCC] Compost Use in Golf Greens Construction

[Wayne King Sr.]

Frank, we have been involved in the development of a rootzone mix that meets
USGA physical property recommendations as a peat substitute in golf green
construction. 

USGA recommended range for organic matter content is 1%-5% (ideally 2%-4%)
by weight! In order to meet these specifications in a 90/10 sand/compost mix
you will have to have a compost very high in organic content generally well
above 60%. You will need to have your mix tested by a USGA A2LA certified
lab meeting USGA protocol(proposed ASTM standards)to demonstrate that the
mix will meet the acceptable saturated hydraulic conductivity range
(generally 6-12 inches/hr normal and 12-24 inches/hr accelerated range) Hey,
sort of like our STA/TMECC labs. 

We had several universities that we worked with (Auburn University and
Clemson) to determine both feasibility and suitability. Our mix conformed to
USGA standards but this will be different depending on the type of
carbonaceous materials you are working with. One of the greatest obstacles
to the widespread use of organic compost amendments for rootzone mixes has
been the inconsistent performance from site to site, batch to batch, and
year to year. Compost is being viewed as potentially important sources of
organic amendments that can be used effectively as a biological alternative
for the control of turfgrass diseases. 

We had an article that was published in August 2001 in BioCycle magazine
that may give you some insight into the possibilities. I would highly
recommend you contact Dan Dinelli (ddinelli at aol.com) the golf course
superintendent at North Shore Country Club. Dan has quite a bit of
experience working with various compost rootzone mixes and is an excellent
source. 
 
 
 
Wayne King Sr.
ERTH Products LLC
402 Line Creek Drive
Peachtree City, GA  30269
Office: (770) 487-6677
Fax:    (770) 487-3992
waynesr at erthproducts.com
www.erthproducts.com
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at composter.com [mailto:compost-bounces at composter.com]
On Behalf Of Frank Franciosi
Sent: Wednesday, November 01, 2006 4:02 PM
To: 'US Composting Council Compost Discussion List'
Subject: [USCC] Compost Use in Golf Greens Construction

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Dear Colleagues,

 

Is there anyone out there with information on using compost to replace
sphagnum peat moss in golf course greens construction?

I'm looking for USGA specifications and or actual references of courses and
or companies that have used it successfully. Also, how much compost as a
percentage of the total soil-less mix design? 

 

Thanks in advance for your cooperation concerning this request.

 

Sincerely,

 

Frank Franciosi

Carolinas Composting Council - President

www.carolinacompost.com <http://www.carolinacompost.com/> 

Novozymes North America, Inc.

Nature's GREEN-RELEAF Compost

www.naturesgreenreleaf.com <http://www.naturesgreenreleaf.com/> 

 

 

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