The Role of Perlite in Golf Greens

The unique physical characteristics of horticultural perlite make it an ideal material for renovating golf greens. When horticultural perlite is added as a constituent of the soil in golf greens, perlite particles interface with each other and other soil constituents to create air passages through the green. These air passages provide oxygen to turf roots which is essential for good turf growth. In addition, these air passages permit excessive water to drain rapidly thus eliminating ponding and allowing play to proceed sooner following heavy rain. In addition, the horticultural perlite eliminates soggy greens which can be easily damaged.

Although horticultural perlite aids drainage, the unique particles enable horticultural perlite to retain an optimum amount of water on their surfaces. This surface configuration retains water and water soluble nutrients making it available to the turf as need.

Renovating Greens

Ideally, the best method of incorporating horticultural perlite into golf greens is as the greens are being constructed. There are literally thousands of existing greens, however, that can take advantage of the benefits of horticultural perlite through a renovation procedure.

In one technique used to renovate a golf green with horticultural perlite, plugs of turf 3/4 inch (2 cm) in diameter and 10-12 inches (26-31 cm) long, spaced on 4 inch (10cm) centers, are removed from the green. Turf plugs and plug debris should be thoroughly removed so that plug holes are not subsequently refilled by this material.

Horticultural perlite is then spread on the green and swept into the plug holes until the holes are approximately 1/3 full. In the final stage, sand is spread over the green and swept into the plug holes until they are filled. As a result of play, irrigation and rainfall, the horticultural perlite will migrate into the soil surrounding the plug holes to completely treat the green. Since horticultural perlite is an inorganic material, it will not rot or deteriorate but will continue to perform year-after-year. Actual years of service before another treatment is required will depend on many factors such as amount of play, soil structure, irrigation, and rainfall.