Thatch

The layer of dead and living organic matter between the green leaf and the soil surface.

A thin layer is useful — it cushions the surface and buffers temperature. Past about a half inch on a putting surface it starts holding water at the top of the profile, softening the surface, and giving disease somewhere to live.

It accumulates faster than it decomposes wherever growth is strong and the soil biology is weak, which is why the management of it is mechanical (aerify, verticut, topdress) rather than chemical.

Fairway is built by people who had to learn all of this.

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