Integrated Turf Management in action
Dollar spot has become one of the most persistent turfgrass diseases all over the world. The disease can appear in any type of turf. With the use of chemical pesticides increasingly being limited, sustainable and data-driven solutions are urgently needed. This comprehensive, three-year field study explored Best Management Practices (BMPs) for minimising dollar spot damage.
Dollar spot (Clarireedia spp.) is problematic because it affects the playability of the turf. It causes visible and persistent turf damage, weakens plant health and increases maintenance costs. It also encourages chemical overuse. Treating dollar spot requires integrated disease management that involves balanced fertility, proper irrigation, mowing practices, and fungicide rotation.
With more and more chemicals for treating turf being banned in the Netherlands, the Dutch Golf Federation (NGF) commissioned a three-year study to establish whether preventative measures could be introduced to prevent the occurrence of dollar spot. The study was conducted by agronomists Arthur Wolleswinkel, Casper Paulussen and Gerard van ’t Klooster.
Scope and methodology
This research focused on 12 golf courses selected for their geographic spread, green construction types (USGA, Dutch, push-up), and varying susceptibility to turf diseases. Each course designated three monitor greens: Best (B), Average (G), and Worst (S). Across 144 visits over three years, parameters such as soil moisture, organic matter content, infiltration rate, grass composition, and meteorological data were meticulously recorded.
Greens and activities at the following golf clubs were studied:
- Utrechtse Golfclub Amelisweerd
- Golfclub Amsterdam
- Golfbaan Bentwoud
- Domburgse Golf Links
- Edese Golfclub Papendal
- Golf- en Countryclub Geijsteren
- Golf- en Countryclub Lauswolt
- The Links Valley Golf
- Utrechtse Golfclub ‘de Pan’
- Sallandse Golfclub ‘de Hoek’
- Veluwse Golfclub
- Golfclub ’t Zelle
Greens were sampled for microbial analysis, and a weekly visual assessment of dollar spot symptoms was conducted. Each green’s cultural and mechanical practices were logged, including mowing, rolling, topdressing, and nutrient applications. The Smith-Kerns Dollar Spot Prediction Model was applied, and the findings were compared against actual outbreak data.