ProloNg Technology and Lessons from Links Courses
For many years, early spring nitrogen fertilisation was regarded as standard practice in golf course management. However, both the practical experience gained from managing links courses and recent agronomic research suggest that the timing of fertiliser applications is typically more crucial than the overall quantity applied. This philosophy is commonly summarised as:
“Lean spring – feed later.”
Soil Temperature vs Nitrogen Uptake
| Soil Temperature | Nitrogen Uptake by Turf |
| 0–4°C | almost none |
| 5–6°C | very limited |
| 7–8°C | roots begin to activate |
| 9–12°C | optimal uptake |
| 12°C | strong growth |
Applying nitrogen when soil temperatures are below 6°C frequently leads to nutrient leaching, microbial immobilisation, and inefficient fertiliser use. This issue is particularly significant for sand-based USGA greens.
The Poa annua Challenge
Poa annua is known to respond more rapidly to nitrogen than either bentgrass or fescue. Early nitrogen applications can therefore encourage Poa annua growth, increase its dominance, and reduce turf stability. To counteract these effects, many links courses opt to avoid nitrogen in the early spring, favouring instead applications of iron or biostimulants.
The Links Nitrogen Model
Top golf venues frequently apply only 60–90 kg N/ha per year, which equates to roughly 6–9 g N/m² annually. The objective is not to maximise growth but to maintain controlled growth.
ProloNg Technology in Angus Fertilisers
Controlled-release fertilisers, such as those utilising ProloNg technology, enable gradual release of nitrogen. This approach promotes stable turf growth, minimises growth flushes, and enhances nutrient efficiency. Many formulations also include organic carbon sources, humic substances, and microbial stimulants, which help support soil biology—an essential factor for sand-based rootzones.
Late Autumn Fertilisation Strategy
Controlled-release fertilisers are also suitable for late autumn fertilisation programmes. When applied at soil temperatures of 6–8°C, a portion of the nitrogen is stored in microbial biomass and released gradually throughout the winter. The typical application rate is 2–3 g N/m². This strategy enables many courses to postpone spring fertilisation significantly.
Typical Links Fertilisation Programme
| Month/Period | Fertiliser Type/Amount | Notes |
| OCTOBER – NOVEMBER | 2–3 g N/m² | controlled-release fertiliser |
| MARCH | minimal nitrogen | often iron only |
| APRIL | 3–4 g N/m² | first main feeding |
| MAY – JUNE | regular seasonal fertilisation |
The Future of Turf Nutrition
Modern turf management is increasingly centred on soil biology, plant resilience, and nutrient efficiency. Technologies such as ProloNg, combined with careful timing and strategic autumn fertilisation, are becoming essential tools for sustainable turf management.
Pingback: Soil Ecology&Turf Species Composition as Determining Factor