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Compressibility of Turf as a Measure of Grass Growth and Thatch Development on Bermudagrass Greens¹

The object of this study was to develop a method for measuring the variation in compressibility of thatch on bermudagrass experimental and golf course greens and to evaluate the data as an indicator of grass growth and thatch development. A "thatchmeter" was designed to rapidly determine differences in compression between a bearing pressure of 7.3 g/cm² and one of 570 g/cm², the former less than that of a golf ball, and the latter, estimated from the weight of an average man. Regressions of compressibility on rate of grass growth and on thatch weight and depth were statistically significant (.001). Compressibility averaged between 6.1 and 11.5 mm per green for 24 golf greens under daily play. A 10-reading average per plot or green can be obtained in 5 mill and requires little professional supervision. The value of the procedure as a research tool is apparent, but specific ranges for acceptable playing quality of golf greens, between excessive hardness and excessive thatch, must be established individually for various grass varieties and environments.

Key Words: Thatchmeter

² Soil chemist

Received for publication November 8, 1971.