411 on 6-2-2 soil mix for drain lines Cancel The title field is required!

1. Kyle Sherwood

   

   0 posts
   
   7/16/2014 11:07 AM

   We are having Golf Preservations Inc. install a drainage system on a pushup green this fall. They strongly recommend backfilling the lines with a 6-2-2 mix. We've spoken to other courses who have completed this project and used a different ratio (such as a 7-2-1 or 6-3-1 from Waupaca Sand & Solutions), and have issues with the lines drying out much too quickly. Based on your experiences, what are your thoughts on the ideal ratio of a 6-2-2 mix vs. other? We have found a supplier that will do a 6-2-2 mix (Acme Sand in Iowa), but they do not use a "sterile" soil. Any thoughts on the importance of using soil that is sterile vs. not? Does anyone have any other sources in the Great Lakes/Midwest area for a 6-2-2 mix that does guarantee weed/seed free soil?

   
   
   
   
2. Jeremy Hreben

   

   0 posts
   
   7/16/2014 12:07 PM

   I have 4 greens with XGD drainage and we have used 6-2-2 on all of them. Yes they dry out. We soak them with a hose and wetting agent tablet every couple of days while we do our prep in the morning. Maybe a little higher percent of soil would work better. I am ok with handwatering lines if it keeps my greens alive as opposed the past when they die from rain!
   
   Besides, it is drainage. no matter what you do, you are gonna see something. It has gotten better over time though.

   
   
   
   
3. Dennis Ingram

   

   5 posts
   
   7/18/2014 8:07 PM

   Send a sample of your existing soil/greens mix to Norm Hummel and let him tell you what will work best. The scientific approach is much better than guessing.

   
   
   
   
4. Chris Wiedenmeyer

   

   0 posts
   
   7/19/2014 3:07 PM

   Plaisted's out of the Minneapolis/St. Paul area would be able to get you the spec you are looking for. Not sure if thy deliver to your neck of the woods, but you could have a private hauler deliver it for you. They will mix any mix you want and possibly suggest a mix for your application.

   
   
   
   
5. Justin VanLanduit

   

   0 posts
   
   7/24/2014 4:07 PM

   We used 6-3-1 from Waupaca for 16 native greens and have no issues with lines drying out quick. After a while will you see it, yea but it takes awhile.