PITCH & LINE MARKERS
Is there any value in using a soil penetrant ?
Soil penetrants can form a vital part of our integrated turf management plans . To understand this we need to understand what a soil penetrant is .
oil penetrants reduce
S surface tension and facilitate downward movement of
water . This technology improves the speed at which water infiltrates from the soil surface into the soil profile . It is important to note that non-ionic soil surfactants do not change the soils physical properties . It enables water to move as quickly as the soils physical properties will allow . Primary and secondary drainage systems will improve the soils physical properties and form a key part of managing soil moisture . Primary drainage removes excess water from the profile , whilst secondary drainage creates the connectivity of the surface to the primary drainage system . Drainage infiltration should also be supported with an adequate aeration plan for your soil type as well as a top-dressing strategy . Aeration should only be carried out in conducive conditions to avoid deformation of the surface by machinery tracks and the additional compaction in saturated conditions . Altering the soils drainage ability will maximise the benefit of soil penetrants .
Why do we need to worry about surface and soil moisture ?
During periods of prolonged wetness our soils will be come saturated and turf health will start to deteriorate . Turfgrass and soil microbes are aerobic which means it is vital we manage the air to water ratio in our soils . Visual symptoms of saturation stress can include a decline in sward density , reduced rooting and plant health
Aeration should only be carried out in conducive conditions to avoid deformation of the surface by machinery tracks and the additional compaction in saturated conditions .
( chlorosis ) and an increase in thatch due to lack of decomposition . Turfgrass stress can then lead to disease outbreaks , surface algae , weed and moss invasion in a thinning sward , and potential PPN damage .
Penetrants form an integral part of our integrated turf management plans by keeping our surfaces drier and can be supported by the use of appropriate dew management technologies . By reducing surface moisture and increasing soil infiltration we can improve air to water ratios in the soil ,
optimising soil health and supporting organic matter decomposition . In turn we will see a denser sward coverage less susceptible to surface algae , weed and moss invasion and a stronger and healthier turfgrass and root system . This will improve playing conditions throughout the year as well as overall surface performance .
So quite simply yes , there is value in using a soil penetrant to reduce surface tension and improve infiltration in the soil profile , as long as this is supported with good aeration strategies . Always remember when your soil is saturated , you can only move that water if it has somewhere to go and that is why drainage is imperative .
For more information or advice on soil penetrants , contact Origin Amenity Solutions on 0800 138 7222 or email sales @ originamenity . com
64 GroundskeepingJournal . co . uk | January 2023