At FarmLinks Golf Course in Sylacauga, Ala., Pursell Technologies used PROFILE Porous Ceramics in place of peat to construct bentgrass greens that could withstand hot, humid summers and high soil temperatures. An 85% sand, 15% PROFILE root zone mix boosted drainage, moisture retention, porosity and pH while maintaining a consistent blend of air and water pore space. The inorganic amendment, along with PROFILE’s Futerra® vegetation blankets on slopes and fairways, supported an exceptionally easy grow-in, strong summer performance and long-term confidence in the greens at this research and demonstration course.
Key Points
- Greens were built to USGA® guidelines with a 12 inch layer of 85% sand and 15% PROFILE, replacing peat in the mix.
- PROFILE increased drainage from 30.9″ to 37.4″ per hour, moisture retention from 11.6 to 14.8, total porosity to 49.9%, and raised pH from 5.2 to 6.0.
- Inorganic PROFILE particles provide a stable balance of capillary (water) and non-capillary (air) pore space, supporting consistent, healthy greens over time.
- Futerra® vegetation blankets covered 20 to 25 acres, promoting germination, aiding bermudagrass establishment and virtually eliminating erosion on slopes and fairways.
