Bentgrass vs Poa

Number 1 green.  Bent is darker and longer than poa.

Our goal for the 2012 season is to develop and incorporate a program to encourage the bentgrass on the greens to out compete the annual bluegrass or poa.  This is not an easy task as Cedar Rapids is a perfect environment for poa.  Poa thrives in a wet cool spring, mild summer and wet or snowy winter.  Our management program includes a modification in cultural programs and fertility programs.  The fertility program will include less nitrogen, which promotes top growth of both bent and poa, and adding a product called ferrous sulfate(iron) to help push the bent over the poa.  The ferrous sulfate will also help in lowering the pH of the soil so the bent will thrive instead of the poa.  The effects of this program will take a time to see results, but in the end we hope to move in the right direction.  The greens will show minimal effects from the application and will be in great shape for the season.  The cultural program will include more solid tining than core aerification so we don 't disrupt the seed bank of the poa.