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THE CARE OF THE TURF 



iHE problem of interest to most clubs is that 

 . of caring for and improving an old course, 

 rather than that of building a new one. 

 The improvement of the turf of an old 

 *" golf course where the original preparation 

 ^'^'^'^^ of the ground was inadequate requires pa- 

 tience and persistence. 



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IMPROVING OLD TURF 



MPROVEMENT must be accomplished largely through sur- 

 face dressings and reseedings. Clay soil, being a natural 

 home for turf plants, may be bettered with the least diffi- 

 culty and expense. Surface dressings of fine and thoroughly 

 rotted stable manure, compost, or good commercial fertil- 

 izer may be applied. Two pounds of pulverized sheep ma- 

 nure on each one-hundred square feet is an excellent dress- 

 ing. Where the soil is very poor, in addition to manure, 

 include two pounds of bone meal per one hundred square 

 feet. If the soil is stiff, the addition of humus-forming ma- 

 terial is important. 



Applications of lime tend to make clay soil more friable. 

 Lime is an important addition to sour soil as it neutralizes 

 the acids, which are caused in part by decomposing organic 

 matter, and restores the hme lost in drainage water. 



On the golf course, however, the application of lime must 

 be determined partly by the nature of the turf plants jj; 

 desired. Plants are classified with reference to lime as f^l/^r^; 

 lime-lovers, lime-haters, and indifferents. -"^^ ■ "' 





