Greens received 25lbs/1000ft2 of Calcitic Lime today as part of our monthly effort during the off season to maintain adequate calcium levels in the green's root zone. To save time, we use a mechanical riding spreader to apply the lime as opposed to walk spreading the lime during the season to avoid tracking. We also apply lime every 14 days at a lower rate in order to maintain calcium levels. When calcium drops, other key nutrients like Potassium will as well. Higher calcium levels the soils Cation Exchange Capacity, or CEC, which is the soils ability to hang on to nutrients. Sand is holds very little naturally because it has no electric charge like clay or organic material. In a garden, rich soils are recommended for this reason. The CEC is high in organic material and it holds onto an abundant supply of nutrients, resulting in bigger crops. The bad part is, it doesn't drain like sand. Therefore, golf greens are built on sand and require a weekly, nutrient "spoon feeding" program to sustain growth. Even high nitrogen applications aren't effective, in that a flush of growth occurs, followed by a lot of leaching and nutrient loss. These nutrients can contaminate groundwater, leading to bad things like algae blooms in ponds.