No-Till Renovation: History and Development
- Morris Brown first developed the technique to plant Tifgreen (328) over common bermudagrass on greens in the early 1960s. Varsol was used to eradicate the existing turf.
- In the late 1980’s it was announced that methyl bromide would soon be taken off the market. In search of a solution for renovating greens, Mr. Brown attempted the technique again, this time using Tifdwarf.
- Through extensive trial and error, a proprietary mixture of glyphosate and various activators was developed that effectively eradicates bermudagrass.
- Unfortunately, the high-density off-type bermudagrasses reappeared because Tifdwarf is not the dominant cultivar on a putting surface.
- It was this failure in Tifdwarf that led Mr. Brown to begin collecting high density off-type bermudagrasses that would eventually produce the Champion
- As we learned more about the culture of Champion, we quickly saw that it performed best on mature, slowly percolating, moisture retaining, highly-organic rootzones.
- Shortly after the release of Champion, Mr. Brown again tried the No-Till technique this time using Champion, with outstanding results. Mr. Brown coined the term “No-Till Renovation” to describe the process he had developed.
- Champion Turf Farms has now converted over 375 courses in 16 states over the last 15 years using the No-Till Renovation Method.
- All No-Till Renovations are guaranteed by Champion Turf Farms.
