As many of you viewed the recent President’s Cup at Royal Melbourne in Australia, did you notice the “unique” color associated with the greens? The rich, deep green, almost purple hue is distinctly similar to the pigment reflected in the greens here at Arrowhead Country Club.
The color that has had the golf industry a buzz is the result of a ferrous sulfate (iron) application. "High" rates of ferrous sulfate, a salt based fertilizer/soil amendment, will refine the leaf blade if allowed to dry on the tissue. This provides obvious playability benefits from a surface management standpoint. Ferrous sulfate also provides mild fungicidal benefits, acts as a herbicide, and acidifies the very top layer of the soil with repeated applications. As a salt, it can act as a desiccant to any recently germinated seedlings and effectively control immature poa annua. Studies have shown positive effects on root growth, recovery from drought stress, and increased wear resistance.
Foliar applications of FeSO4 promote a quick response and increase in leaf chlorophyll, thus green pigment within the leaves. The rates we utilize as part of our agronomic program produce a deep green, almost purple hue when left to dry on the plant tissue. This is very similar to what was witnessed at Royal Melbourne.
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