Product Manual
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Soil Selection:
If soil is used in the root zone mix, it shall have a minimum sand content of 60%, and a claycontent of 5%
to 20%. The final particle size distribution of the sand/soil/peat mix shall conform to that outlined in these
recommendations, and meet the physical properties described herein.
Organic Matter Selection:
Peats - The most commonly used organic component is a peat. If selected, it shall have a minimum
organic matter content of 85% by weight as determined by loss on ignition (ASTM D 2974 Method D).
Other organic sources - Organic sources such as rice hulls, finely ground bark, sawdust, or other
organic waste products are acceptable if composted through a thermophilic stage, to a mesophilic
stabilization phase, and with the approval of the soil physical testing laboratory. Composts shall be aged
for at least one year. Furthermore, the root zone mix with compost as the organic amendment must meet
the physical properties as defined in these recommendations. Composts can vary not only with source,
but also from batch to batch within a source. Extreme caution must be exercised when selecting a
compost material. Unproven composts must be shown to be nonphytotoxic using a bentgrass or
bermudagrass bioassay on the compost extract. Inorganic and Other Amendments: Porous inorganic
amendments such as calcined clays (porous ceramics), calcined diatomites, and zeolites may be used in
place of or in conjunction with peat in root zone mixes, provided that the particle size and performance
criteria of the mix are met. Users of these products should be aware that there are considerable
differences between products, and long term experience with some of these materials is lacking. It should
also be noted that the USGA requires any such amendment to be incorporated throughout the full 12-inch
(300 mm) depth of the root zone mixture. Polyacrylamides and reinforcement materials are not
recommended.
*Source for most of above information is located at:
http://www.usga.org/course_care/articles/construction/greens/USGA-Recommendations-For-A-Method-
Of-Putting-Green-Construction(2)/