What is the circle of decline?
Do you find yourself in the same routine with the same challenges?
Most of the time, we attempt to manage turf quality through what can be defined as symptom management. In other words, waiting for something to go wrong and treating it.
Practices leading to decline are:
- Continuous topdressing with sand and unacceptable levels of organic matter
- Routine use of preventive fungicides to control turf diseases with diminishing returns
- Frequent use of inorganic fertilizers and minerals to drive growth in otherwise inert soil conditions
- Treating the same issues repeatedly or failing to reduce problem areas year after year
- Dry areas or areas unable to maintain quality turfgrass
WHAT KIND OF ISSUES ARE TYPICALLY OBSERVED?
Depending on the stage of development within the Circle of Decline, some or all of the following issues, among others, will be observed:
- Inert soil, layering, and root breakage caused by excessive sand topdressing
- Thatch buildup on the surface due to a lack of microbial activity in heavily sanded soils, leading to bumpy, slow, uneven play and unpredictable playing conditions
- Hydrophobic soil and localized dry spots (LDS) that cause the soil and turfgrass to repel moisture
- Thatch collapse caused by severe drying out of the thatch layer itself
- Frequent outbreaks of fungal diseases
- Inability to utilize and absorb nutrients and minerals in the soil
WHY USE A LINE OF DEFENSE?
Using the line of defense in turf management by adopting the concept of the Circle of Decline is a sustainable and environmentally responsible approach. It not only leads to healthier and more resilient turf, but also contributes to long-term soil health and reduces our ecological footprint. Embracing the power of microorganisms is a proactive step toward more sustainable turf management practices.
The best user feedback on our organic program was:
"I NO LONGER LOSE SLEEP OVER MY TURF CONDITIONS"
Tour Interactivo con Dr. Alfredo Martinez UGA
23 Oct. Viernes @ Club Atlas
24 y 25 Oct @ EXPO GUADALAJARA