Worm Casts

[delc]

I know that worm casts are classed as loose impediments, but after a couple of wet days they turn into a small pile of mud. The other day I found my ball lying in the semi-rough with two such ex-worm casts immediately behind it. Was I still entitled to remove them?

 

[palindromicbob]

I know that worm casts are classed as loose impediments, but after a couple of wet days they turn into a small pile of mud. The other day I found my ball lying in the semi-rough with two such ex-worm casts immediately behind it. Was I still entitled to remove them?

If you are certain it was made by a worm then yes.

 

[delc]

Worm casts may become more of a problem in the future, because our course manager had told me that he can no longer obtain wormicides due to an EC ban on their use in agriculture!

 

[rulefan]

Products which deter worms are ok but worm killers are not.
We spray the fairways so the worms have relocated to the rough.
They rarely bother greens as there is not enough organic matter in the ground.

 

[Colin L]

Never mind, Del. Encourage the worms and you will improve the drainage of the soil and get less mud. Worms are an all round Good Thing.

 

[Foxholer]

Worm casts may become more of a problem in the future, because our course manager had told me that he can no longer obtain wormicides due to an EC ban on their use in agriculture!

The mercury and arsenic based worm killing products have been banned for use pretty much everywhere for a long time! Worm deterrent products (Sulphur based or other soil acidfiers) are fine. So No, the problem isn't going to get worse than it currently is.

 

[delc]

H

The mercury and arsenic based worm killing products have been banned for use pretty much everywhere for a long time! Worm deterrent products (Sulphur based or other soil acidfiers) are fine. So No, the problem isn't going to get worse than it currently is.

According to our course manager, whatever they have been using to deter or kill worms has been banned for agricultural use by the EU. About 95% of it was used for agricultural purposes and 5% for golf courses. Apparently the manufacturers have.decided that it is not economic to make it in smaller amounts just for golf courses. :mmm:

 

[Deleted member 15344]

i thought the worms were good for the course ?

Never heard of anything be put down to kill worms ?

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Worms are good. Wish we could do something about the poxy moles causing havoc on several tee boxes

 

[rulefan]

H
According to our course manager, whatever they have been using to deter or kill worms has been banned for agricultural use by the EU. About 95% of it was used for agricultural purposes and 5% for golf courses. Apparently the manufacturers have.decided that it is not economic to make it in smaller amounts just for golf courses. :mmm:

He was probably just using the killer. We apply the deterrent fairly regularly. I think it is more expensive.

 

[ManinBlack]

Worms are good. Wish we could do something about the poxy moles causing havoc on several tee boxes

Get Carl from "Caddyshack" he'll sort the moles out!

 

[rulefan]

i thought the worms were good for the course ?

Never heard of anything be put down to kill worms ?

They are in theory. The problem is the casts they produce which are pure non-organic matter which can be rather gooey and does not disperse readily. The air ventilation holes are better when made by modern hollow and solid tining.
http://www.pitchcare.com/magazine/managing-earthworm-castings-in-low-cut-golf-course-turf.html

There is no particular reason why you should be aware of the treatment. It is spread in liquid form a few times a year and doesn't interfere with play much.

 

[delc]

Worms are good. Wish we could do something about the poxy moles causing havoc on several tee boxes

We are also having that problem again, but with badgers. Apparently they are digging for grubs. In our part of the world badgers are a protected species, despite the badger culls in the West Country.

 

[rulefan]

The mercury and arsenic based worm killing products have been banned for use pretty much everywhere for a long time! Worm deterrent products (Sulphur based or other soil acidfiers) are fine. So No, the problem isn't going to get worse than it currently is.

http://www.landscapejuice.com/2012/09/is-there-an-alternative-worm-treatment-to-carbendazim.html

 

[Deleted member 15344]

We are also having that problem again, but with badgers. Apparently they are digging for grubs. In our part of the world badgers are a protected species, despite the badger culls in the West Country.

And rightly so

 

[Foxholer]

http://www.landscapejuice.com/2012/09/is-there-an-alternative-worm-treatment-to-carbendazim.html

That'll be a deterrent (as opposed to wormicide) that's banned then too - and rightly so by the apparent effects.

I do recognise the name now that you mention it.

 

[upsidedown]

And rightly so

Why's that Phil?

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Why's that Phil?

Because i see no reason for them to be killed.

Sorry but never been a fan of deliberatly killing animals

 

[rulefan]

That'll be a deterrent (as opposed to wormicide) that's banned then too - and rightly so by the apparent effects.

I do recognise the name now that you mention it.

I'm not sure what you are saying. Cast Clear is not banned.
http://www.castclear.co.uk/

See also
http://www.progreen.co.uk/golf-turf-products/worm-cast-deterrents/cat_38.html

 

[upsidedown]

Because i see no reason for them to be killed.

Sorry but never been a fan of deliberatly killing animals

So you'd not agree of the thousands of TB reactors being culled then either?