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Smooth stalked meadow grass: the power behind the swing

Smooth stalked meadow grass thanks it popularity on golf courses to its strong, hard-wearing nature. It is mainly used on tees and fairways. After all, most damage is caused at these places on the course. Smooth stalked meadow grass is used in an attempt to reduce damage to the tees and fairway. But not even smooth stalked meadow grass can withstand the force of an extreme swing. That is why grass seed mixtures are now often used that combine strength and a self-regenerating capacity; RPR is the prime example. 

Traits of smooth stalked meadow grass

Smooth stalked meadow grass (Poa pratensis) thanks its extreme strength to its tough leaf blades and roots (rhizomes). Another advantage is its winterhardiness. Even after severe winter conditions smooth stalked meadow grass retains its strength and colour on the course.

 

If smooth stalked meadow grass is used, sowing should be planned well, as it needs a long establishment window: namely at least 12 weeks. This late establishment can cause problems as weeds such as annual meadow grass compete for space. It could come as a surprise to learn that smooth stalked meadow grass is related to annual meadow grass (Poa Annua).

 

Click here for more information on annual meadow grass Annual meadow grass - Poa annua

 

Overseeding

The purpose of overseeding is to stimulate faster recovery and regeneration of the golf course. Using smooth stalked meadow grass obviously makes no sense. The majority of grass seed mixtures that contain smooth stalked meadow grass contain a larger proportion of perennial ryegrass. If these mixtures are used for overseeding, only the perennial ryegrass will emerge. Smooth stalked meadow grass simply establishes too late, so the damage will already have been done. The huge advantage of smooth stalked meadow grass remains its strength, but this quality is also offered by Bar Extreme RPR. However, RPR establishes much faster which makes it more suited for overseeding. If complete renovation of the turf is necessary, the best option is Bar Intensive RPR.

Green Earth

Sustainability has become an integral part of society. Barenbrug's Green Earth quality label aims to contribute to increasing sustainability. For example, there are specially bred smooth stalked meadow grass varieties that perform extremely well in terms of sustainability. This includes aspects such as reduced water use, reduced fertiliser use and a lower mowing frequency. Mixtures with these varieties have been assigned a special Green Earth quality label. This label clearly indicates which varieties a mixture contains that reduce maintenance requirements and increase sustainability. Bar Tee and Bar Fairway have been granted this quality label,

 

Click here for more information on sustainable use of smooth stalked meadow grasses or Green Earth.

When to use smooth stalked meadow grass

Smooth stalked meadow grass is and remains an extremely powerful grass seed mixture that forms a solid foundation for a great golf course. If time and money are no object, then smooth stalked meadow grass is an excellent choice. If time is of the essence and the fastest possible recovery is required, the best option is Bar Extreme RPR. If complete renovation of the turf is necessary, or new grass seed has to be sown, the best option is Bar Intensive RPR.

Want to know more about poa pratensis?

Click here for more technical and general information on smooth stalked meadow grass

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