TOP DRESSING
The importance of keeping up the moisture
ith the consistently warmer and
W drier months , it is best to be prepared for drought conditions which can lead to plant stresses .
Plant stress can be relieved using Wetting Agents such as Abzorb in a spray application which can be tank mixed with an organic biostimulant such as Kelpak . This will assist the rapid penetration of water in dry areas for medium to long term re-wetting .
Wetting agents contain soil penetrating surfactants which are effective against turf diseases such as Dry Patch and Fairy Ring . Abzorb is suitable for use on grass areas such as lawns and amenity and sports turf . They are most effective when used monthly from spring onwards as this will mean the maximum amount of wetting agent will be present during the dry months of summer .
The 2.5kg Abzorb tank tablet can be pushed through an irrigation system . You can also spot water using a 250g Abzorb tablet in a spray gun or handheld sprayer .
A fast-acting wetting agent attaches itself to the waxes and lipids left by fungal spores on soil and sand particles , which in turn attracts water molecules allowing hydrophobic areas to be re-wet . They are a blend of soil penetrating surfactants , that help to re-wet dry areas of turf affected by turf diseases .
It is very important to irrigate after application of a wetting agent , so that it penetrates the soil . Applying 10-15mm of water straight after application will help , or when it is raining or due to . It can also scorch the leaf if left on it during hot weather .
Other benefits of wetting agents include :
• Keeps the surface of the soil open and more receptive to water so any irrigation gets into the soil and does not just run off .
• Reduces the amount of irrigation water needed so saves time and money .
• Reducing the amount of overhead irrigation will keep the surface drier and this can help with the reduction of Poa annua and disease .
• The surfactants reduce the surface tension in the water and so excess water will fall from the soil profile to drains far easier in times of higher rain fall .
• Can be used to help the penetration of pesticides into the thatch layer or soil . Particularly important when looking at actives such as azoxystrobin that are only translocated upwards in a plant and so to protect the whole plant .
• Can be applied just after seeding to increase germination rates and reduce watering requirements .
For more information , or to help you identify turf diseases that you may have , Agrigem ’ s team of Technical Sports Turf specialists are here to help . Contact them through Agrigem . co . uk or call 01522 246491
www . cubcadet . co . uk
Profile : Adam Grantham
Adam is Agrigem ’ s Technical Consultant for Sports Turf .
Adam has over 15 years of experience at Reading FC , where he eventually became Grounds Manager , overseeing both the Madejski Stadium and both Bearwood and Hogwood Training Grounds .
Adam currently advises Premier League clubs on their stadium and training grounds , as well as grassroots clubs through the company ’ s “ Putting the Grass into Grassroots ” programme .
32 GroundskeepingJournal . co . uk | August / September 2021