Golf can be a controversial game. For one, golf courses take up vast stretches of land. Secondly, to maintain the greens is an intensive process, one that takes up large amounts of water and can generate a lot of ground pollution arising from the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Golf courses also impact the native wildlife.

But there are more sustainable methods of developing earth-friendly golf courses as has been demonstrated by the Tournament Players Club (TPC) at Michigan. According to experts, the two key environmental concerns for golf course officials is to protect water quality and conserving water. Water quality is affected by the regular use of pesticides to maintain turf surfaces free from diseases.

A solution to this problem would be to adopt integrated pest management (IPM) practices. The fundamentals of IPM include planning and managing turfs so that organisms do not become pests. Poor drainage and compacted soil are primary reasons for disease-prone turfs and this should be avoided at all costs. Potential turf pests should also be identified with the help of experts and monitored regularly. The threshold level of the turf needs to be determined, which is basically the number of pests the turf can tolerate without causing damage to the turf. The threshold levels can be maintained through biological (biological agents such as nematodes, insects, fungi, etc which attack lawn pests) and chemical control methods (pesticides are used only when a pest becomes uncontrollable). Needless to say that using organic soil amendments and fertilizers, go a long way in preventing ground water pollution.

To conserve water, using the 'pencil method' can cut down excessive water usage. This involves the simple method of sticking a pencil into the ground and seeing if the wooden part comes out wet. If it does watering can be avoided for that day. This substantially saves the water consumed in the golf course.

Planting native plants along with turf is another step forward in being in tune with the local environment. These are better for local wildlife and are easier to grow and maintain. Eco-friendly golf courses nowadays blend large areas of the landscape with these plants and trees.

Manufacturers are now also making eco-friendly tees and golf balls that are made from biodegradable materials such Polylactide Polymers (PLA). PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from lactic acid. It resembles clear polystyrene and provides good aesthetics. Since they are made from cornstarch they are able to degrade in composting conditions and prevent pollution caused by regular tees and balls.

By adopting these solutions playing golf can be a win-win for players as well as the environment.

Here is another great article about fertilizing your Lawn & Garden

If you like lawn care....These pages might also interest you:

All About Weeds, Common Lawn Problems, Controlling Lawn Diseases, Four Steps to a Great Lawn, How to Water Your Lawn, Inexpensive Lawn Fertilizer, Lawns in Shady Areas, Thatching, Turf Secrets, Types of Lawn Recreation, Care Free Lawns, Creating a Perfect Lawn, Earth Friendly Golf Courses, Feeding Your Lawn, Fertilizing Basics, Mowers and Pollution, Natural Ways to Fertilize, The Right Time To Fertilize, Types of Lawn Fertilizers