Ever wondered what fertilizers do for us or how many types of fertilizer there are? Here's a breakdown of the Macronutrients and Micronutrients.   Macronutrients

Nitrogen (N)

Nitrogen is a part of all living cells and is a necessary part of all proteins, enzymes and metabolic processes involved in the synthesis and transfer of energy. Nitrogen is a part of chlorophyll, the green pigment of the plant that is responsible for photosynthesis.  Helps plants with rapid growth, increasing seed and fruit production and improving the quality of leaf and forage crops.  Nitrogen often comes from fertilizer application and from the air (legumes get their N from the atmosphere, water or rainfall contributes very little nitrogen)

Phosphorus (P)

Like nitrogen, phosphorus (P) is an essential part of the process of photosynthesis.  Involved in the formation of all oils, sugars, starches, etc. Helps with the transformation of solar energy into chemical energy; proper plant maturation; withstanding stress. Effects rapid growth. Encourages blooming and root growth. Phosphorus often comes from fertilizer, bone meal, and superphosphate.

Potassium (K)

Potassium is absorbed by plants in larger amounts than any other mineral element except nitrogen and, in some cases, calcium.  Helps in the building of protein, photosynthesis, fruit quality and reduction of diseases. Potassium is supplied to plants by soil minerals, organic materials, and fertilizer.

Calcium (Ca)

Calcium, an essential part of plant cell wall structure, provides for normal transport and retention of other elements as well as strength in the plant. It is also thought to counteract the effect of alkali salts and organic acids within a plant.  Sources of calcium are dolomitic lime, gypsum, and superphosphate.

Magnesium (Mg)

Magnesium is ppart of the chlorophyll in all green plants and essential for photosynthesis. It also helps activate many plant enzymes needed for growth. Soil minerals, organic material, fertilizers, and dolomitic limestone are sources of magnesium for plants.

Sulfur (S)

Essential plant food for production of protein. Promotes activity and development of enzymes and vitamins. Helps in chlorophyll formation. Improves root growth and seed production. Helps with vigorous plant growth and resistance to cold!!!!! Sulfur may be supplied to the soil from rainwater. It is also added in some fertilizers as an impurity, especially the lower grade fertilizers. The use of gypsum also increases soil sulfur levels.

Micronutrients

Boron (B)

Helps in the use of nutrients and regulates other nutrients.  Aids production of sugar and carbohydrates.  Essential for seed and fruit development.  Sources of boron are organic matter and borax

Copper (Cu)

Important for reproductive growth. Aids in root metabolism and helps in the utilization of proteins.

Chloride (Cl)

Aids plant metabolism.  Chloride is found in the soil.

Iron (Fe)

Essential for formation of chlorophyll. Sources of iron are the soil, iron sulfate, iron chelate.

Manganese (Mn)

Functions with enzyme systems involved in breakdown of carbohydrates, and nitrogen metabolism.  Soil is a source of manganese.

Molybdenum (Mo)

Helps in the use of nitrogen Soil is a source of molybdenum.

Zinc (Zn)

Essential for the transformation of carbohydrates. Regulates consumption of sugars. Part of the enzyme systems which regulate plant growth.  Sources of zinc are soil, zinc oxide, zinc sulfate, zinc chelate.

90 Degree Rule

I took a picture of #9 fairway, showing the golf cart traffic.

There were 4 golf cart tracks up ahead that follwed a 90 degree rule?&@$#!

 

Wintergrass (ryegrass)

 Starting Monday October 29th, we will begin to put the rye grass seed down on the tee boxes throughout the course. This has been a traditional maintenance practice since the club opened in 1990. here's some key points to remember;

 * Keep in mind the tee marker settings may be out of whack for the next couple of weeks in order to get the best results for consistency.
 * Please play the tee box where the tee marker are located, our goal is to provide consistent looking tee boxes. When someone decides that they want to play one that has the seed all over the top of it, that takes away the consistency, seed is picked up on there shoes therefore removing it from the tee box and now planting it somewhere between the tee box and the cart path. That later becomes an eye sore.
 * May see the sprinklers running a little more often during the day hours as we are making an effort to keep the seed moist so that when the seed sprouts it can take root and live happily until the late spring early summer.

 Thank all of you for your cooperation and understanding.

Willy Plowman
Golf Course Superintendent

Phase II Removal of dead trees and stumps

We have officially began phase II of our tree maintenance program.

The dead trees on the driving range have been removed and the stumps are started on as well.

Willy Plowman

Trees and Fencelines

Some of you may have noticed a blue color around trees and/or along fence lines. This is a herbicide treatment with Round Up to help in controlling weeds in these areas.
Concerning to the fence lines: Basically I decide whether to spray the Round Up along the fence line on the golf course side of the homeowners property.
* 1st---I spray on the back side of all planters that are facing the golf course. This is a win win deal, the golf course wins because it cuts back in the amount of weed eating along fence lines saving labor for something else. The homeowner wins because the invasion of grass from the golf course is kept out of the planter beds, therefore less maintenance is required on the homeowners part.
* 2nd---I then decide if the entire fence line will be sprayed with Round Up. This is purely decided by the upkeep of the homeowners yard. If the grass looks good and the yard is kept up nicely I will usually avoid spraying along the fence line.
*3rd---Homeowners who keep up both sides of there fence lines, no Round Up application will be made. Thank You for taking pride in your back yard!!!

Willy Plowman
Golf Course Superintendent

Phase 1 tree trimming completed

There is a board posted on the east side of the golf shop that will list projects and general information about the golf course, There you can see the schedule that is set in order on trimming trees. I'll be good to you and share it now.

Phase 1; Trim trees above cart paths *Completed!

Phase 2; Cut down dead trees and remove existing stumps

Phase 3; Trim remaining trees on course
              * Holes #8 & #15 will be first in line

This project will be taking place through most of the winter months.

Willy Plowman
Golf Course Superintendent