However, I recently took aeration to the next level. Instead of spiking the ground, or creating a vertical slit, I blew air into the ground to relieve the compaction... the results were mind blowing.
This unique machine can penetrate deep into the soil, and aerate with little or no disruption to the surface level. Releasing a controlled blast of compressed air, the GP Air lifts and shatters the compacted layers of soil. This allows saturated soils to drain. It also allows water to infiltrate parched and dry soils.
Soil structure determines the ability of a soil to hold and conduct water, nutrients and air necessary for plant root activity. It is the balance of soil matter, water and pore space that determines the health of the soil.
Soil compaction occurs when soil particles are pressed together reducing pore space. Heavily compacted soils contain few pores and have a reduced rate of both water infiltration and drainage.
Soil aeration affects compaction by breaking up the soil profile. The process of opening up the soil profile initiates a healthier soil environment, oxygenating the root zone, promoting the growth of beneficial soil organisms and enhancing the availability of nutrients.
Navigate the GP Air up and down the tee, punching each hole with a metre spacing, staggering each line to ensure we get a consistent even spread.
Like most areation work we create holes in the ground... sometimes, we then just leave the holes open, however most of the time we replace the nutrients we've taken out of the ground with either root zone or sand. On this occasion we'll be using a root zone amendment called Eco-Lite.
With a funnel we pour the Eco-lite into the holes (further explanation below)
- Holds water and nutrients in the root zone until grass plants are ready to use them.
- Reduces leaching of fertilisers, preventing pollution of ground water .
- Reduces irrigation and fertilisers cost
- Promotes denser and deeper feeder root systems
- Help to prevent compaction and increase infiltration
- Helps prevent anaerobic conditions (blacklayer)
- Increases firmness of playing surfaces
- Completely natural and non-toxic to plants and animals.
It is nice to have a helping hand off our local golf clubs!! Thanks again Blakey :)