Abstract
USGA green specification is currently accepted in construction method of Korea. This study was carried out to find the factors influencing growth of turfgrass associated with soil physical properties of soil root-zone on golf green constructed with USGA method. Three putting greens in poor turfgrass and one in good turfgrass condition were selected for investigation on one golf course site at mid-South Korean peninsula. Soil hardness, moisture content, root length, and turf density were measured on-site greens, and soil physical properties and soil chemical properties also analyzed in laboratory. As a result of on-site surveys and soil physical tests in laboratory, soil physical properties were most important factors which influenced on turfgrass growth at tested greens. The results of soil particle analysis on green No. 2, in good turf condition, matched USGA sand particle recommendations. But those greens such as Nos. 1, 11 and 16, in poor putting greens, showed high soil compaction and improper soil particle distribution. Those factors created low leaf density, poor root depth, and higher moisture content compared with lower part of topsoil. Such phenomena caused inadequate turfgrass growth with soil hardening associated with poor drainage. Therefore, declines of soil physical properties associated with improper particle distribution caused a major factor influencing on turfgrass growth in golf green. Adequate test of soil particle analysis by USGA specification and proper construction method followed by adequate turf maintenance should be performed to obtain optimal turf quality on putting green.
