Summary - Evaluation of the FR1 Trencher for drainage improvement by the STRI
The objective of the research was to evaluate the benefit of the FR1 trencher to improve soil drainage in localised areas of a golf course. This was achieved by using the FR1 to install various drainage improvement treatments to a naturally wet area of fairway turf.
Treatments
The trial was comprised of four separate plots, each measuring 4m x 10
7 assessments were made over a period of 4 months, measuring surface hardness and soil moisture.
Surface hardness was measured using a golf Clegg dropped from 0.5m. Thirty readings were made in each area of the trial.
Soil water content was measured in the upper 60mm of the profile using a Delta-T-Devices Theta Probe. Thirty readings were made in each area of the trial.
Surface hardness was measured using a golf Clegg dropped from 0.5m. Thirty readings were made in each area of the trial.
Soil water content was measured in the upper 60mm of the profile using a Delta-T-Devices Theta Probe. Thirty readings were made in each area of the trial.
Results - Surface Hardness
There were statistically significant differences in surface hardness among treatments on all assessment dates (Figure 1). All plots where 1” sand slits were installed had significantly harder surfaces compared to the untreated turf. On the majority of assessment dates, plots where slits were installed with a sump box, tended to be significantly firmer than plots where sand slits were installed alone. On four out of the seven assessment dates, plots with sand slits + sump + Graden, were significantly firmer than all other plots.
Results - Volumetric Water Content
Throughout the trial, statistically significant differences in volumetric soil water content were measured among treatments (Figure 2). On all assessment dates, plots where 1” sand slits were installed, irrespective of whether a sump box was fitter or the turf Gradened, had significantly lower soil water contents, in comparison to the untreated turf. On six out of assessment dates, turf with sand slits + sump + Gradened, had significantly lower soil water contents, as compared to plots where only sand slits were installed.