Physical properties of green sand mixes amended with sphagnum peat moss

Physical properties of a sand mix are important factors in building and maintaining a good golf green that influence grass root development, and control the supply and movement of water and nutrients for turf growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate several important physical properties of sand mixes amended with various organic amendments. Properties evaluated in the study included pore-size distribution, air permeability, and saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity. In the experiment, the soil column was constructed similar to that suggested in the Proctor's test, but with a 1.36 kg hammer as specified by the USGA recommendation. The selected amendments included reed sedge peat moss, Canadian sphagnum peat moss, Irish shamrock peat moss, earthworm casting, treated steer manure, and municipal and yard waste mix. Results indicated that sand mix amended with high organic amendment had high water retention capacity, but it possessed low saturated hydraulic conductivity and air permeability. Pore size distribution of the sand mix could vary depending upon the type of amendment used. However, when sand was amended with peat moss at a rate of 0.02 g g(-1) or higher, the physical properties of the mix fail to meet the USGA recommendation guidelines.