DryJect Aerification

Today we have carried out our DryJect procedure.  DryJect is an aerification method that helps penetrate sand deeper into the soil profile creating avenues for increased drainage but more importantly better root development and depth.  The day has been a challenge as it has continued to rain throughout the day and the sand needs to be dry to get through the machine and injected into the holes.  Even though it has been a battle we are getting it done and will be finished and have the course back in shape for tomorrow.  The one day we didn't want it to rain it did, but we're coming out on top.  DryJect will take the place of our normal procedure of pulling cores the Tuesday after Labor Day.  Can't say this will be the case for all years coming but it is a great process for the time being as the new turf benefits greatly and it helps limit the ability for Poa to become established in the new greens.  Timing for aerification will be looked at and possibly adjusted.  Poa begins to seed early September and temperatures recede.  When temps recede so can the growth of bentgrass causing the aerification holes to stay open longer leaving voids for Poa seeds to get into and germinate.  If we can become accustom to aerifying mid August when the bentgrass is growing strong the holes will close faster plus the Poa isn't in seed at this time.  This will all be discussed through the Grounds and Greens Committee for future planning.  Here are a few photos from the process carried out today:

DryJect application being carried out

Illustrating spacing from DryJect.  We are running at 2"x3" spacing

Illustrates a channel created by DryJect.  This channel is roughly down past 5", our normal aerification procedure can only go about 4".  This is allowing us to get sand into the dark "mucky" material where drainage is sacrificed.

 Holes from DryJect will b evident for a few days but will close quick.  I anticipate by the weekend we will still see some small holes but putting quality should not be affected at the time.  In fact rolling some balls on the greens this afternoon after we rolled there were no noticeable alterations.  Over the next few days we will be topdressing lightly to help smooth out any minor imperfections as well as rolling to keep smoothing things out.