Turf Covers for Winter Protection of Bermudagrass Golf Greens

Abstract

Research trials were conducted on a bermudagrass ( Cynodon magennissii Hurc. ‘MS‐Express’) putting green at the Mississippi State University Golf Course over the winter months of 2000‐2001, 2001‐2002, and 2002‐2003 to evaluate how various turf covers modify surface temperatures and turfgrass growth when applied for temporary cold temperature protection. Average daily maximum, minimum, and mean temperatures were recorded, as well as the average daily range in temperatures under covers. Temperature responses varied with cover composition, permeability, color, and to a lesser extent, thickness. An experimental translucent overwintering blanket provided the highest average daily maximum temperatures, but also had the greatest temperature range, indicating the potential for excessive heating under the cover. A commercially available interwoven polyethylene cover also provided high daily mean soil surface temperatures, but its mean daily minimum temperatures were not significantly different from the uncovered control in two of the three years, apparently indicating much of the energy acquired during the day was lost after sundown. Doubled layers of commercially available white or black polypropylene covers had only slightly increased mean daily minimum temperatures as compared to single layers. All covers provided some degree of potentially desirable temperature modifications, but selection and use would depend on the particular needs of the turf manager.