9/5/2018 - By Matt Gregg

We’re heading into the fall season and those managing bentgrass, bermudagrass, or even Zoysiagrass greens are starting to see the sun rise later in the morning and set earlier in the evening. During the onset of a shorter photoperiod, light quality is also being reduced, which impacts our growing days.

This pre-dormancy period is a great time to consider the below high points to start building carbohydrate reserves and maintain plant health. These reserves will carry your turf through the harsh winter months and provide energy to get back to growing come spring.

Here are our recommendations to begin building carbohydrate reserves leading up to dormancy.

• Promote Photosynthesis – Take advantage of available sun to promote photosynthesis. Do this by increasing the Iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn) levels on Bermudagrass to about 0.018- .0225 lbs. and 0.015-.02 lbs. on Bentgrass/Zoysiagrass. Harrell’s MAX® IronMn Mg is a combo product providing the levels you need.
  
  
• Promote Photosynthetic Efficiency – Harrell’s PAR® SG filters the correct usable light wavelengths helping the plant use less energy which protects those Carbohydrate reserves, while adding color. 10 to 16 oz./A of PAR SG would be adequate.
  
  
• Promote Root Mass – Increasing root mass prior to dormancy allows for additional carbohydrate storage and healthier turf. Healthier turf promotes disease resistance. Encourage turf to root by boosting Potassium levels with Title Phyte® and then build up the root mass with Harrell’s Bio-MAX® 4-0-0 , Harrell’s Bio-MAX Amino Pro V, and EarthMAX® in every foliar/soil app.

Please contact your local Harrell’s representative to develop and design your fall spray program to match your agronomic needs for a successful Winter and Spring Green-up.