T frequently to environmental extremes including heat , drought or excessive rainfall and humidity which can impact on surface performance . When we experience excessive temperatures over a period of time photosynthesis reduces and the plant cannot produce the energy it requires for optimum growth . As turfgrass managers we aim to produce consistent and well-groomed surfaces that look exceptional but most importantly perform . The basic management practises we carry out can also have adverse effects on the quality of the turfgrass . It is the combination of these mechanical stresses and environmental stresses with will lead to the decline of turf health and surface performance .
PITCH & LINE MARKERS
Combating summer stress in turfgrass
Kelly-Marie Clack , Origin Amenity Solutions Agronomy Technical Manager
urfgrass is subjected more
T frequently to environmental extremes including heat , drought or excessive rainfall and humidity which can impact on surface performance . When we experience excessive temperatures over a period of time photosynthesis reduces and the plant cannot produce the energy it requires for optimum growth . As turfgrass managers we aim to produce consistent and well-groomed surfaces that look exceptional but most importantly perform . The basic management practises we carry out can also have adverse effects on the quality of the turfgrass . It is the combination of these mechanical stresses and environmental stresses with will lead to the decline of turf health and surface performance .
What can we do to reduce summer stress on turfgrass ? 1 . Increase height of cut – it ’ s not all about the speed . Surfaces that are true and smooth perform well and look good . At low HOC the turf is more likely to wilt leading to uneven surfaces . Hand cut if possible and mow only when required . 2 . Irrigate in the morning rather than early evening to avoid leaf wetness overnight . High humidity and leaf wetness is likely to lead to disease outbreaks . 3 . Reduce rolling and only roll if conditions are conducive . 4 . Avoid verticutting into the crown . 5 . Reduce the amount of times per week you cut your perimeter ( tidy up lap ). 6 . Only brush if required and not daily . 7 . Use a pedestrian aerator such as a procore to avoid heavy machinery on the surfaces . 8 . Reduce thatch build up in the upper profile through good aeration and top dressing practices . 9 . Accurate water management will reduce summer stress and hand watering areas with low moisture readings is essential . A surfactant should be used to reduce hydrophobicity in the soil and ensure moisture consistancy across the playing surface .
10 . Appy Nitrogen little and often for optimum plant health and recovery from play . Potassium helps to maintain turgor pressure in the cells of the plant , resulting in a positive influence on drought tolerance . 11 . Apply plant biostimulants ; they contain substances and / or microorganisms whose function when applied to plants or the rhizosphere , is to stimulate natural processes to enhance / benefit nutrient uptake , nutrient efficiency , tolerance to abiotic stress , and plant quality i . e . seaweed , carbonbased fertilisers , humic acid , fulvic acid , molasses . 12 . Over seed with stress tolerant grass species such as fescue , bent and rye . 13 . Fungicides form part of an Integrated Turf Management plan during high disease pressure situation . Monitor weather conditions and record disease outbreaks so you can form an Integrated Pest Management program for your site .
Origin Amenity Solutions ( OAS ) comprises four market leading brands , Headland Amenity , Rigby Taylot , Symbio and Turfkeeper . com . We offer a range of products to help turfgrass cope and recover from summer stress . These include :
• Wetting agents to optimise soil moisture and turf health
• Biostimulants to improve tolerance to abiotic stresses and turf quality
• Nutrients to ensure healthy plants and recovery from play
• Organo-mineral fertiliser high in humic acid to promote a healthy soil and healthy plant .
A summer surfactant trial carried out at the OAS Turf , Science and Technology Research Centre showed excellent consistancy in soil moisture and prevention of localised dry patch when using OAS technology , during extreme drought conditions .
Full trial details are available in the OAS Throws trial report . Please ask for a copy .
For more information or to speak to a technical sales specialist call 0800 138 7222 or email sales @ originamenity . com
48 GroundskeepingJournal . co . uk | July / August 2023