Message Board - Golf: Rocastem

4 Feb 2010 by Torch

Hi All,

I am considering using this product on my course this year. Has anyone got any useful feedback?

I am on traditional push up greens with quite a high silt/clay content. They aren't too bad, don't drain particularly well at times but have improved significantly in the last few years.

I am not trying to avoid aerating, just looking to see what might be of extra benefit.

Cheers.

The answer is None more black.

5 Feb 2010 by Dave the Greenkeeper

Hi Torch, used this product last year in the spring and in the autumn five app each time. It deffinitly reduces standing water on the surface so must improve drainage. Ive alredy got this years suply in and will start in a couple of weeks weather dependant!!
I know of a greenkeeper down the road who also swears by it, he is also on push up greens.

cheers Dave.

5 Feb 2010 by Torch

Thanks Dave,

I was beginning to wonder if there was anyone out there! I don't use the BIGGA bulletin boards so this website is very useful. Most of the threads are about cricket or football which is fair enough I suppose. Good to see greenkeepers on here.

I was considering a gypsum/seaweed meal application but given our pH I think the Rocastem may be a better option. Now I'm just wondering about costs.

Cheers.

The answer is None more black.

5 Feb 2010 by Dave the Greenkeeper

Im paying £180 per hectare, quite expensive but worth it i think!

8 Feb 2010 by williams1

Hi Torch

If your main problem is water clogging up pore spaces within your profile look at monthly apps of a good penetrant with low app rates like Pervade 5 lts/ha. This will increase gaseous exchange and improve overall photosynthesis for you. It will work out a hell of a lot cheaper as well.

9 Feb 2010 by B McD

Rocastem is not only a penetrant but also helps break down the organic matter. Pervade is good for taking off the dew as will Rocastem but the latter does more than pervade. The two can not be compared as they are different materials.

9 Feb 2010 by williams1

Not comparing the two, only saying that if water logging is the main issue here treat it as thus. Pervade is cost effective with great results. Aeration can follow later to remove organic matter.

10 Feb 2010 by Torch

Pervade was used at the course before my time and I have to say that I was not very impressed with the results. Much like the rest of the products this company was advising.

A jug of this micro nutrient and a glug of that...don't really want to go down that road again. Our 'success' if you want to call it that has been built on good greenkeeping. I am looking at the Rocastem as something to simply enhance this program.

The answer is None more black.

10 Feb 2010 by B McD

Good for you Torch. There is no substitute for good old fashioned Greenkeeping practices. Do the basics right and the rest should follow. Rocastem is a good product and will help you along with your aeration programme. It will also sweeten up any unusable organic matter for microbial consumption. Good Luck

10 Feb 2010 by williams1

Lads don't get me wrong, I'm not a Floratine nut. Pervade in the indepentant trials i have done on water penetration and percolation has always out performed the rest. Yes if you want that extra kick Rocastem is a wonderful product with multi results acheivable. Check out Soil Penetrant from Gro Power also. They claim enhanced nutrient intake, microbial activity and bio stimulant activity also. Good product range.

10 Feb 2010 by williams1

10 Feb 2010 by williams1 Last edited 10 Feb 2010

Sorry double post

10 Feb 2010 by Torch

Thanks all for your replies.

The answer is None more black.

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