Acid Theory

A greenkeeping practice which was carried out during the 1920s and early 1930s in the UK and elsewhere, and which was based on the routine application of ammonium sulphate and sulphate of iron to golf and bowling greens. It had been established earlier in the 1900s that turf fertilisers for a fescue and bentgrass sward should provide an adequate amount of acid soil reacting nitrogen, with a very limited supplies of phosphates and potash; this helped to produce firm and dry surfaces. Published research, in 1925, from the USA showed that weed free plots of Agrostis tenuis could result fro

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  Aerate

To encourage the movement of gases between the soil and the air. The types of equipment that can be used to aerate a turf surface include: Solid tines. Hollow tines. Slit or Chisel tines. Powered drill. Compressed air, or Water injection.

  Aeration

The action of aerating the soil to improve the air content of the soil. It allows for fresh air to be exchanged for more stale air within the soil. This can be achieved, for example, by penetrating the soil profile with physical implements, such as tines or drills, or with compressed water or air being injected into the soil. A garden fork is the simplest form of aeration equipment. The act of aeration can help to encourage grass roots to explore deeper into a soil profile and also to improve surface and sub-surface drainage by helping to get water into and through the soil. Other benefits

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  Aeration Pan

The result of regular aeration, without varying the depth of tine penetration. Overtime a compacted layer will develop at the depth of the ends or tips of tines.

  Aeration Tine

See Tine.

  Aerator [1]

An item of equipment which is used to aerate a soil, by putting holes or gaps into a soil.

  Aerification

An American term which means the same as Aeration in the UK.

  Aerify

An American term which means the same as Aerate in the UK.

  Aerosol Applicator

An item of equipment which is used for marking out using an aerosol can. The applicator might be handheld for small, especially irregular shaped, areas or hand pushed for marking out straight lines and larger areas.

  Aggressive Aeration

The action of intensive aeration for use in heavily compacted areas which leaves behind open holes; therefore, solid tining, hollow-tining or drill aeration. The activity is carried out in 3 or 4 directions, during one maintenance session. This will result in very closely spaced holes, potentially creating holes in an estimated 15% to 20%, or so, of the surface area.