[Tony Ristola]

If it's not widespread, you can cut the clover out. If it is, then you can put a plastic sheet on top of it. Clover needs more light and air than the grass does, so you can basically suffocate it and keep the grass barely alive. Might take about four weeks. Verticutting is good for clover prevention.

Ulrich

That may work, but doesn't seem practical on a large scale. At some point courses will get infested with clover if not managed in some manner. What manner would that be without a chemical application?

[Jon Wiggett]

Tony,

I think that it depends on the situation to a certain extent. In Switzerland I used to come across a lot of clover that grew quick, up to 2 inches in a day. This meant that balls in the fairway might disappear under it and be lost within 24 hours of the last cut. The only solution I found was chemical usage though if it was in small areas burning off with a flame or hot-air gun was also effective.

On my course I have no real clover issues through the green but some clover on the greens. The clover is however so miniature in size that it does not effect the putting and so is just a cosmetic thing so I just leave it. I hope that in time it will disappear through verticutting. I find Ulrich's idea with the plastic quite interesting though doubt it is practical if the course is in play.

Jon

[Micah Woods]

With application of ammonium sulfate as the source of nitrogen to the turf, and avoidance of lime applications, it is to be expected that clover will, over the long term, cease to be a problem.

The Park Grass experiment (http://gsr.lib.msu.edu/article/woods-park-4-22-11.pdf) in which different fertilizers are applied to the turf has shown that the botanical composition of the sward, especially as it relates to grasses vs. clover, is strongly influenced by the type of fertilizer that is applied.

[Jon Wiggett]

Micah,

though what you say is correct what would be done if you did not want any extra nutrient input? Also, mineral fertilisers are still chemical (or man made) in nature.

Jon

[Micah Woods]

Sure, it's a chemical but not a pesticide. If used as the sole source of fertilizer if and when nitrogen is applied, it will suppress or eliminate clover.

If adding no fertilizers and no pesticides, then I say just accept the clover.

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