The Seeding and Care of Golf Courses • 



Northern States where the climate is 

 severe and there is danger of winter- 

 killing, seeding should be done the fol- 

 lowing spring. 



HUMOUS MATERIAL 



OF prime consideration is the introduction in- 

 to the soil of an adequate amount of humus, 

 that is, partially decayed organic matter. No fer- ^ 

 tilizing substance can take its place. Nearly all soils, reason- 

 ably fertile, contain the essential plant-food elements, such as 

 nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Soil filled with humus 

 permits the circulation of air, retains moisture, and is a fa- 

 vorable medium for bacterial life. It also gives the resiliency 

 so desirable. 



One method of introducing this humous material into the 

 soil is by plowing under a green crop, such as clover. If such 

 a crop has been raised in anticipation of transforming the 

 land into golf links, it will be an advantage. 



The method of introducing humous material most com- 

 monly used is that of plowing under well rotted barnyard 

 manure. Such manure is the best soil-builder. One ton of 

 it is worth several tons of commercial humus. 



PLOWING 



7 "'he plow should turn the soil over to a depth of from 

 six to eight inches and should be equipped with a joint- 

 er to insure the burial of the old growth. If this is heavy a 

 log chain may be attached to the clevis. 



GRADING 



Z'he grading of portions of the fairway may be neces- 

 sary. In this, it must be remembered that the top-soil 

 with its accumulated humus is of great value. If possible, it 



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