Grass, soil and machines — the greenkeeper's materials and equipment

The greenkeeper's daily routine follows the grass and the seasons. Grass is alive and reacts to weather, wear, water and nutrients. A skilled greenkeeper reads the course and gives it exactly what it needs — no more, no less.

§The grass

There are many types of grass and they have different properties: some tolerate heavy use and short cutting others are good in shade or on moist soil. On a course mixtures are often used that are chosen based on what the area should be able to do. Choosing and maintaining the right grass type is a professional judgment that has great importance for the result.

§The soil and the growth layer

Under the grass lies the soil and its structure means enormously much. Good soil can hold water and nutrients but also lead away excess water. Greens are often built up with a sand-based growing layer that drains well and tolerates wear. Understanding soil structure moisture and nutrients is the foundation for the grass to thrive.

• 01Grass varieties — chosen according to use, cutting height, shade and soil type.
• 02Fertiliser — supplies the nutrients the soil lacks.
• 03Sand and top dressing — improves structure and drainage.
• 04Water — controlled according to weather, soil and season.

§Cutters and machines

Greenkeeper work is built on two things that are often overlooked: living materials such as grass and soil, and advanced machines. Knowing both thoroughly is a prerequisite for creating a course of high quality.

§Watering and drainage systems

Modern courses often have automatic watering systems that can control water precisely and water at night. Drainage systems divert excess water so the course doesn't turn to mud. Understanding and maintaining these systems is part of the greenkeeper's work.

§Maintenance of equipment

The machines stop by themselves

“A sharp mower and healthy soil — then the grass does almost the rest itself.”

— Greenkeeping has become a data trade. The article covers drones for mapping and documentation — including the EU's drone regulations and drone certificates via the Transport Authority — as well as sensors, robotic mowers, GPS-controlled equipment and measuring tools like the stimp meter. The competence objectives require knowledge of the latest technology and measuring tools for analysing course playing quality and grass growth conditions.