Profile™ vs. Peat explains how Profile Products’ Porous Ceramic (PPC) performs over time as a root zone amendment in golf course greens compared with peat and other organics. Research, soil testing and course experience show that peat can fill aeration pores, reduce drainage and contribute to black layer, while sand/Profile mixes maintain more consistent physical properties for the life of the green. Data and case studies highlight improved drainage, balanced air- and water-holding pore space, delayed drought stress and long-lasting, healthy, firm greens.
Key Points
- A continually growing body of evidence, including research, tests and on-course results, shows that PPC performs better over time than peat as an ingredient in the root zone mix and increases the longevity of greens, with only 3% particle degradation over 20 years.
- Research shows peat moss can hinder air and water circulation, fill macropores, reduce aeration porosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity, lower soil oxygen and create conditions for black layer, leading to poor playability and potential reconstruction of greens.
- Lab data and the drought-stress chart on page 2 comparing sand/Profile and sand/peat mixes show higher long-term drainage rates, more favorable air- and water-holding porosity and a delayed need for irrigation by 2–3 days with Profile-amended root zones.
- Profile particles have 74 percent water and air pore space and, in sand/Profile mixes, help achieve approximately 50 percent solid matter, 25 percent water-holding pore space and 25 percent air-holding and drainage pore space while meeting USGA® particle size and stability recommendations.
