Barenbrug Golf Green Trials

“What about overseeding?” The data presented here is clearly most applicable to the consideration of sowing or turfing newly constructed golf greens. Overseeding is certainly a very different issue, as the components of the current sward must be considered prior to selecting an appropriate seed mixture. The results do point to some general advice however, which is summarised as follows: Browntop bent and red fescue (slender creeping and Chewings) are likely to be the species that offer the best chance of long-term success from an overseeding programme in the UK and Ireland. Combining these species in a single blend for overseeding is not generally considered best practice however, as red fescue has a better chance of successful establishment when sown deeper in the ground than browntop bent, and vice versa. If both species are to be integrated into the sward, they should be sown separately and by differing methods. If the current sward is dominated by Poa annua, browntop bent is likely to be the most suitable species with which to overseed. Successful establishment will help to promote better year- round surfaces through increased disease resistance, winter wear tolerance and better root structure. If the current sward is dominated by bentgrass, overseeding with browntop bent will help in maintaining the surface going forward. If conditions are conducive, overseeding with red fescue may also help to improve the greens further by improving aspects such as disease resistance, drought tolerance and summer green-speed. If the current sward is a blend of fescue and bent, overseeding with both of these species (in separate applications) may be advisable. It is likely that the focus will be on red fescue cultivars however, as generally speaking the fescue population in the sward is likely to diminish at a faster rate than the browntop bent (due to the combination of wear, winter and close mowing). Finally, if the current sward is fescue dominant, overseeding with this species will be vital to prevent Poa annua ingression. Integrating some browntop bent would also be advisable, particularly if the greens are subject to winter wear. In 2012, Barenbrug initiated a dedicated overseeding trial with STRI at Bingley on the same area of rootzone as the original golf green trials addressed in this document. This new research was concluded in 2015 and highlights the importance of cultivar selection in gaining success as part of an overseeding programme. The trial results, and other recommendations relevant to overseeding, can be found in our “Overseeding Golf and Bowling Greens” Guide. Discover our Overseeding Golf and Bowling Greens guide to find out more detailed advice about overseeding: www.barenbrug.co.uk 11 Golf Greens