Product Manual

Page 5 - Mascaro Profile Sampler Instructions
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inches down in the profile, due to the
compression of hollow tine Aerifiers at the base
of their penetration.
Soil compaction restricts root growth, inhibits
the downward infiltration of water and nutrients,
and restricts oxygen from entering the root zone.
Nutrients remain at the surface of a compacted
profile, which in turn encourages shallow root
systems. Soil compaction can have a profound
effect on the game of golf, too, drawing
complaints from golfers who like their shots to
“hold.”
Hard Pan - In some profiles, thin, extremely
compacted layers are present deep in the soil.
These layers usually are due to the sliding effect
of earth-moving equipment that manipulated wet
soils during construction. These layers restrict
roots, water, and air from moving down. Layers
such as these have been known to remain in the
soil profile for years.
Pore Spaces - The size of pore spaces can be
estimated by using a medicine dropper and
squeezing drops of water onto the face of the soil
sample. If the droplets disappear quickly, the
porosity may be excellent. If the drops of water
ball up and move slowly through the soil, it may
indicate insufficient pore space.
Hydrophobic Soils - Soils that become
hydrophobic (commonly called dry spots) are
very hard to rewet and should not be related to
compaction problems. When a soil is allowed to
dry excessively, natural oils, waxes, and organic
materials sometimes prevent rewetting. Taking a
sample at the edge of a dry spot will reveal the
difference in the soil moisture in each side of the
sample.
Droplets of water on the dry side will confirm
hydrophobic conditions. A hand aeritier can be
used to open the soil, or a power aeritier can be
used on larger areas. Apply wetting agents to
help rewet the soil.
Anaerobic Soils - Anaerobic soils develop in the
absence of oxygen. Aerobic microorganisms die
out and anaerobic microorganisms take their
place. Soil color and odor are two methods used
for detecting these conditions. Under anaerobic
conditions, iron in the soil will turn grey, blue,
purple, or black. The soil has an offensive odor
and will smell like rotten eggs, sulpher, or
methane gas. The methane gas will, under the
right conditions, manifest itself by causing the
turf to rise up into bubble-like shapes. Black
layers may form under adverse conditions,
putting the turf under even greater stress. Deep
Aerification and drainage will help clear up these
problems.
Layers - A layer or layers of unlike materials in
the soil profile can contribute to plant stress,
shallow root systems, and waterlogged soil.
Layers can create false water tables in the profile.
Research has demonstrated that, directly at the
layer interface, water will be held until sufficient
head pressure is developed to force it through the
interface.
Layers in the soil profile often are created by ill-
conceived topdressing practices. On old,
established greens, a soil profile can sometimes
reveal the number of people who have
supervised the maintenance program in the past.
In one example, a soil profile has revealed as
many as seven different layers of unlike
topdressing over a period of 12 years, by seven
different managers.
Several layers, created by topdressing with different
materials, represent different management
programs over the years.