How Knighton Heath GC resolved a drainage issue

By Alistair May 31, 2018 06:59 Updated

Using an injector to reactivate natural processes in waterlogged soil, Knighton Heath has been able to open its course when it would normally be flooded

Knighton Heath Golf Club in Bournemouth has seen dramatic improvements to areas of the course which had been particularly prone to flooding, as a result of some extreme, and well targeted, decompaction measures.

A team from Apex Soil Solutions arrived last November with their GeoInjector to work on four greens and course manager Alan Magee has been absolutely delighted with the results.

“These usually flooded areas are now open for play, whereas in previous years they would have had to be closed for long periods. Certainly, this winter’s excessive rainfall has been a great test for the GeoTec injection treatment. It has stood up to what has been thrown at it brilliantly,” explained Alan.

The procedure generates long lasting drainage of waterlogged soils to reactivate natural biological processes in the soil. The injection of granular material reduces the likelihood of re compaction after treatments.

“I have asked Apex to come back several times since as the treatment has been so successful. The injection treatment on the putting green has worked so effectively it has saved us having to rebuild it to incorporate new drainage. This has freed up the budget to enable us to treat more greens in the future,” he said.

Alan, who has worked in the golf industry all of his life, also uses the Air2G2, Pro-Core and Vertidrain on the course and sees a place for each piece of equipment in his armoury.

“The GeoInjector offers greater depths of decompaction than anything else, while the lateral injection of drainage material ensures prolonged drainage below the surface. Furthermore, there is little disruption to surface and play. However, you do need a compressor.

“From my experience, the Pro-Core is light and easy to use and allows maximum productivity. The downside is that and doesn’t quite reach the depths we are sometimes looking for. The VertiDrain is another excellent piece of kit but does require a tractor, something which the GeoInjector doesn’t.”

To combat waterlogged areas, compaction and aeration, the GeoInjector goes deeper, injects material in one process and creates a permanent drainage soakaway to help solve the problem.

Apex is also introducing the soil decompaction and aeration probe to inject enriched biochar to improve tree performance and stimulate root growth and health.

“This allows us to penetrate into the tree root zone to a depth of one metre, create a natural underground void and then back fill with organic fertilisers, to enhance a tree that may be a long-established feature of a course,” said Apex managing director, Martin Saxon.

Apex Soil Solutions is the only UK distributor of VOGT equipment, targeting compacted and waterlogged soils. While the initial works predominantly focused on golf greens, recent projects include football pitches, racecourses, local parks and public spaces. The versatility of the equipment allows Apex to sell the equipment as well as provide the service.

Martin, who launched the parent company Apex Tree Surgeons in 2002, believes that the business is now set to expand with the introduction of a specialist depot and demonstration area to manage the distribution of the German VOGT product range.

“We are delighted to be able to promote the range of essential products developed by the VOGT team that offer new solutions to assist with practical environmental issues faced by greenkeepers and groundsmen,” said Martin.

For more information, tel: 0800 999 9910 or 07857921405, visit www.apexsoilsolutions.com or email info@apexsoilsolutions.com