Seasonal changes in soil microbial content in sandy soil putting greens on golf courses using SOFIX (Soil Fertility Index) analysis technology

Abstract We report on a continuous 5‐year study of the total bacterial number in the root zone of a sandy soil putting greens on golf courses in Japan using the SOFIX (Soil Fertility Index) analysis technology. SOFIX is a new soil analysis technology where the number of soil bacteria can be evaluated. The study revealed a trend of seasonal changes in the total bacterial number during the turf growth season. The study also revealed a relationship between turfgrass growth, putting green management methods, and soil analysis values including physical, chemical, and biological properties. These results indicated that the SOFIX analysis technology can track changing soil bacterial number, and it can be used as a guideline for stable maintenance of a sandy soil putting green on a golf course.