Golf clubs face a range of challenges in order to maintain their greens to such a high standard, in the past, chemical products were used to treat many of these challenges. However, due to the damaging effects of these products, alongside tighter EU regulations, greenkeepers are looking at more sustainable methods of maintaining their courses.

Many of the problems greenkeepers face are seasonal and can be expected to return each year due to certain weather. A large issue in the spring is Welsh Chafer grubs and Fusarium is a national problem during the autumn and milder months. Both of these problems were previously solved with chemical spraying that damages the soil, the beneficial organisms that live in it and the overall environment. An increasing use of nematodes and biostimulants have shown that an ecological solution is both effective and beneficial to the environment.

Many clubs have adjusted their methods and schedules based on the environmental benefits of their actions. Changing a club’s cutting schedule is enabling them to retain nature trails throughout the course and enabling wildlife to use their regular pathways without having to move through fine-cut areas.  All this activity is extremely beneficial for the environment, but it is also producing a drier healthier playing surface.

EcoStim embraces the industry move towards maintaining healthier soil rather than applying chemical fertilisers or regular fungicides.