Ashdown Park Golf Course, a public course set on the edge of Ashdown Forest, had been battling a common set of turf challenges: shallow rooting, waterlogging, and an increasing dependency on synthetic fertilisers that offered short-term gain but little structural improvement.  

As part of a wider plan to future-proof the course and improve turf resilience, the greenkeeping team at Ashdown Park identified opportunities to enhance surface consistency and rooting depth. Addressing challenges such as uneven greens, soft surfaces, and divoting, they set out to adopt a more sustainable, long-term approach to turf management.  

The Problem: Thatch, shallow roots, and heavy soil  

Core samples across the greens showed an average of between 8-10 mm of rooting structure and high organic matter contents, additionally dense thatch layers of more than 20-30 mm was found across the tee box areas.   

The tees had become high-maintenance zones: regularly overseeded due to wear, yet the seed rarely thrived. The problem wasn’t just wear and tear – it was poor soil health.  

The Approach: Strip it back and start with the soil  

Fargro’s amenity team worked with Ashdown’s greenkeeping team change the strategy. Rather than focusing the approach purely on appearance, they tackled soil structure through a combination of cultural methods adopting a more holistic approach to soil microbiology.  

Key interventions included:  

• Verticutting and solid-tine aeration to relieve surface compaction and begin breaking through the thatch layer.  

• DCM Vital Green (14-4-7) applied to greens at 35-50 g/m² to deliver a balanced NPK boost with organic content for longer nutrient availability.  

• Bactiva Soil Amendment applied via drench to stimulate microbial activity and improve nutrient cycling.  

• DCM Vivifos (4-30-0) used on tees in two applications: one to support germination of newly overseeded areas, and another to encourage rooting before winter set in.  

Technical rationale behind the products  

• DCM Vital Green’s combination of fast and slow-release nitrogen helped to maintain turf growth without inducing soft swards that would require more mowing or be prone to disease.  

• DCM Vivifos, with its high phosphorus level and organic base, was ideal for areas under renovation, supporting early establishment and strong root growth.  

• Bactiva Soil Amendment introduced beneficial soil microbes to improve the biology of compacted, lifeless soil – particularly important for water regulation and nutrient uptake in heavier soils like Ashdown’s.  

Measurable results within weeks  

Within four weeks of starting the programme, core sampling and visual assessments revealed a range of encouraging improvements:  

• Increased sward density  

• A more even and uniform green surface  

• Improved ball speed and roll consistency  

• Enhanced root depth and structure in soil profiles  

• Reduced need for ongoing turf repairs  

These early results gave the team the confidence to continue building on a soil first, holistic approach to integrated turf management.  

Lessons learned for other courses  

Ashdown Park’s success wasn’t about expensive or radical interventions – it was about applying fundamental principles:  

1. Test your assumptions. Regular soil profiling revealed underlying issues that weren’t visible above ground.  

1. Rethink nutrition. Combining biological and mineral fertilisers can improve both immediate turf health and longer-term soil performance.  

1. Microbes matter. Products like Bactiva help restore natural processes in tired or compacted soil.  

1. Timing is key. Consideration when integrating holistic approaches to existing turf management practices was the key to success.  

Looking ahead  

Ashdown Park has committed to continuing the programme year-round, adapting it through seasonal transitions with a firm focus on reducing synthetic inputs. The team plans to increase the use of bio-based and microbial solutions that support long-term soil health and turf resilience.  

This case is a strong example of how holistic practices for sustainable turf management – from aeration and balanced nutrition to microbial soil enhancement – can deliver tangible improvements. By starting with the soil and focusing on ecological balance, Ashdown is building a more sustainable foundation for turf performance in the years to come.  

Contact Fargro  

If you have any queries or want to find out more, please contact our Head of Amenity Max Drummond-Smillie via max.drummond-smillie@fargro.couk or call 07920 537199.