8/13/2021 - By Chris Simon

August is always greeted with a certain amount of anxiety, but an even greater amount of hope. It’s the time of year that students go back to school and staff becomes smaller. It is the time of year where the fall checklist weighs heavily on the mind. Pre-emerge, potash, preventative fungicide applications… August is never easy, but it always provides a great sense of hope. The days become shorter, night-time lows become a little more favorable, humidity backs off occasionally, and football season is in sight. It is also a time to begin to evaluate what worked well, what didn’t, and make notes on what you’d like to improve in the following season.
A few thoughts relative to the turn towards home.

1. Potash– With the record number of golf rounds played in the last year and grasses being subject to additional mechanical stresses, there has never been a stronger case for the application of potash. In a year where we have seen costs rise for so many products in every area of our lives, including raw materials, Sulfate of Potash (SOP) has remained steady. It’s proven over and over that potassium increases stress tolerances of turfgrass. Consider a custom blended bulk application, which can be formulated to meet your exact nutritional needs, or a custom greens grade. POLYON ® SOP, the CalMAX Lime, Methylene-Urea and a little Mono-Ammonium Phosphate (MAP) is a popular combo.
2. Preventative Fungicide Applications – In the southeast spring dead spot, take all root rot, and mini ring seem to dominate the conversations.
• SDS – Soil temps at 70 degrees for 5 days consecutively. Water one day prior to ensure that the material will be able to work into the soil colloid. Water in immediately, post app, and apply sufficient water, 2.5 gal/1000 sq ft2 or higher.
• TARR – This disease pathogen becomes most active when soil temps are 80 degrees or less, consistently. The water recommendations for SDS also apply for TARR.
• Mini Ring – If there is a good thing about this disease, it’s that if a fairy ring prevention program is in place then mini ring will also be covered. It is important to continue these applications through the fall and look to use more urea-based fertilizers, as ammonium sulfate has shown to enhance mini ring disease severity.
3. Pre- Emerge – Poa Annua…I don’t think I need to say anymore. We are fortunate to have great support in the Carolinas from Clemson and NC State. They continue to research and publish the factors that contribute to the success of a poa annua prevention program.
• Poa annua germinates at soil temps of 70 degrees or less.
• University research shows that combining modes of action increases herbicide efficiencies.
• If you’ve applied the same fall preemergence herbicide for several years running, consider switching to an alternative product with a different mode of action, to prevent development of herbicide resistance on your property.
• Check out this blog by Todd Lowe, Bayer, for more information on Poa Annua

There is light at the end of the tunnel. Please reach out to a Harrell’s Representative for help in developing a plan for the fall. Our R&D team, Dr. Raymond Snyder, Dr. Jeff Atkinson, and Dr. Paul Giordano have equipped us well and are always ready to answer questions.