HydroSave - Saving Water Now!

Spring Valley Golf Club Cuts Usage by 33%

Four years ago the owners of Spring Valley Golf Club in Northwest Iowa had a major problem with dry spots in their hard greens and moss problems on others. 

The answer to their problems...started with flowers.

The Berte Family has owned the 18 hole course for two generations and during this time they have planted thousands of flowering plants.  However they noticed that when they went to work the soil it was thick and hard to cultivate.  That is when they heard about pelletized gypsum.

"We had heard that gypsum loosens the soil, makes it easier to work and promotes better root growth", says Curt Berte.  "We started using a substance made by Calcium Products and within the first year we saw dramatic results in the flower beds."

It was then when the Berte Family decided to try HydroSave on their problem greens.

"We had tried nearly everything to get our older greens in shape.   We figured if this product worked so well for the flower beds, maybe it would work on the greens.  We used 40 pounds of HydroSave per green that first spring.  Within three months our greens started to soften and the moss problems abated."

Then came the next surprise.

"We again applied HydroSave that fall and again that spring.  Three applications and we noticed a dramatic change in the soil.  Not only were the greens softer, we noticed we did not need to water them as much.  So we began to cut down on sprinkling.  By the middle of the second year we had cut our sprinkling by 33%.  We're now using it on our fairways as well."

Berte also tells us he is using less fertilizer.

"It's the first of July and other than a small amount of foliar feed this spring we've used zero fertilizer on our course.  What's even more surprising is that while other golf clubs are burning up we're green and still using less water."

Berte points to five benefits of HydroSave:

• Softer greens that hold the ball much better.
• Very fast greens.  10.5 to 11 on the Stint Meter.
• Zero moss problems and zero dry spots on the greens.
• Deeper root system on the turf.  Roots extending below the cup.
• Easy to use.  Apply, water, cut and play.  Done!

"We've been involved in this process for four years and it's made a huge difference in our course and our expenses.  I know it because not only do I take care of the turf, I also pay the bills."

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