Mimicking a Soil in a Soilless Medium

Abstract

A discussion of how using amendments to mimic a soil in sand based soil environments helped to build over 100 golf course and sports fields. A colloidal soil has a nutrient holding capacity, an organic matrix and a mineral matrix all of which are missing in sand based soil mixes.

The use of various soil amendments were tilled into the soil surface to the depth of 6-8 inches showing results such as quicker turf establishment and nutrient stabilization. Physical and nutrient based rock minerals were combined with carbon based amendments to help build up the soils cation exchange capacity and provide a stronger level of nutrient and biological support. Fertilization and water inputs were reduced and turf quality improved.