Solid Tine Aerification

For the past six seasons, a sand injection process called Dryject has essentially replaced the conventional method of core aerification on greens. Sand and water injected at high pressure deposits a four to five inch column of sand below the green surface. 

The Dryject method of aerification is well suited for depositing materials below the green surface and not necessarily for amending the surface.  As a result, immediately below the surface of the green, an organic layer is forming that requires a different method of aerification and management. (fig.1)  The layer consists of dense plant shoots, roots, and organic matter, which slows the downward movement of water keeping the surface soft.

Consequently, starting this fall and again next spring, the greens will undergo a solid tine aerification, which is slightly more disruptive than the Dryject process but less disruptive than core aeration. And, because the process does not produce any cores, the solid tine method is less costly.  Recent research suggests that core and solid aerification produce the same agronomic benefits such as organic matter reduction, soil aeration, and improved downward water movement.  As the process repeats biannually each season the layer will eventually disappear and the greens will become firmer.  However, if past experiences are any indicator, the green surfaces should begin to firm up immediately next season.            

Fig. 1

Solid Tine