Reducing Scalping Potential of Seashore Paspalum Putting Green.

As a relative new putting green turfgrass, seashore paspalum’s (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz.) tendency to scalp at lower mowing heights has not been thoroughly evaluated in the inland southeastern region. A field study has been conducted since summer 2008 and repeated two times in summer 2009 (on the same site and a new site) to evaluate preventative cultural practices to reduce occurrence of scalping on golf greens on a USGA specification green with 85% sand 15% peat-moss (v:v). The research greens were established using sprigs in 2007 and 2008. Preventative practice treatments used in the study included aerification frequency paired with either grooming once weekly or no grooming along with two mowing heights of 2.54 mm and 2.29 mm to observe scalping occurrence. Results show significant differences in turf quality for mowing height and aerification frequency for preventative treatments. Lower mowing heights (<2.29 mm) may be able to be maintained for a short period of time without losing TQ, but prolonged periods of low mowing heights cause less desirable putting green turf due to scalping.