Science. Education.
Better Decisions
A full-service laboratory delivering practical, science-based solutions for turf performance, drainage, and root zone design.
ABOUT THE OWNER
Robert Oppold
Mr. Oppold is unique in the industry having analyzed thousands of undisturbed core samples, many of which were sports fields and greens constructed with root zone mixes designed by him. Yearly repeat undisturbed core testing by clients has been invaluable for analyzing the impact of various forms of aerification and root zone mechanical manipulation.
29+
Years of Research & Field Experience
10,000+
Root Zone & Soil Samples Analyzed
Holistic
Solutions for Every Unique Challenge
"
Laboratory results are meaningless to the client until they are explained.
— Robert Oppold
"
​An overarching philosophy remains that laboratory results are meaningless to the client until they are explained. Oftentimes, the explanation would be meaningless without education. That has led him to Seminar presentations. It also led to him writing ISTRC’s Guidebook to Your Greens, which remains an excellent primer for young assistant superintendents as-well-as a refresher for seasoned veterans.​
Chemistry and Root-Zone Research
The impact of chemical contaminants on physical properties arose from research and the development of the Very Strong Acid Digest analysis with Dr. Dave York of Tournament Turf Services.
Infiltration rates were too low and bulk density values were too high for on site root zones that had very little silt, clay, or organic matter and the distribution of the sand was USGA-compliant.
Furthermore, the identification of iron layering in sand based greens was identified in 2006 – two years before the USGA and Dr. Norm Hummel began their studies. The remediation of chemistry issues has improved within the recent past with the development of new products.
Environmental Factors
The study of direct sunlight and surface air flow on turf quality began in 1995 when Mr. Oppold found that the difference between a course’s best green and worse green was environmental and not a difference in physical properties.
​Engineered Root-Zone Mixes
Working with high performing bunker sands, he has “built” sands for high-end clubs and companies like Best Sand. High Cu root zone mixes have been developed by various individuals.
Knowledge of soil physics and their associated impact on turf quality allowed Mr. Oppold to invent the High-Angular, High-Cu root zone mix used at golf venues such as Oak Hill Country Club’s Championship East Course and Oakland Hills Country Club’s Championship South Course.
Field Investigation​​
Research has not been confined to lab observations. Often in conjunction with Dave Doherty, the founder of ISTRC, field work has been required to identify the ultimate cause of poor turf. Invariably, the poor turf was caused by toxic conditions in the soil.
The most common cause of soil toxicity is the lack of oxygen, which is often associated with the inability to efficiently remove excess water.
The causes can be poorly installed drainage systems, cementation of tile slits, moisture barriers, tree roots in tile lines, heavy organic layering, to name a few non-exhaustive examples.
