Agronomy Philosophy of The Els Club Malaysia

• Smooth rollers are used on all mowers to reduce plant stress, while groomers and brushes are used to control grain. Less plant stress does not just mean better playing conditions but less water, fertiliser and pesticide requirements
• Foliar feed is utilised as often as possible – 7-14 days, with greens every 7. This method of fertilising allows to control plant growth when there are constant changes in weather patterns. This also reduces wastage and protects the environment as small applications will not leach
• Use of plant growth regulators to reduce stress, reduce vertical growth and increased density. These products again help keep consistent surfaces, reduce cutting (diesel usage) and reduce the need for fertiliser and pesticide applications
• Soil test conducted a minimum of three times yearly to dictate amendments and granular applications. This allows us the greens keepers to tailor fertility programs to suit the requirements. There is no need to apply a certain element if the soil had excess or enough available. This means less wastage through cost and leaching
• Try and purchase “straights” as soluble and not premixed. Premixed means you purchase water with fertiliser mixed in resulting in more deliveries, more transport on the roads. Buying soluble allows us to reduce our deliveries and we can then mix on site as required
• Apply water based on moisture meter readings and current climatic conditions. We do not guess how much water to use. We take readings daily and work out how much the plant requires versus how much has been lost to allow us to know exactly what to apply with little or no wastage
• The following data is collected daily: soil temperature, green speed, air temperature, clipping yield, evapotranspiration, rainfall, soil electro conductivity and irrigation