7/2/2013 - By Harrell's

Reducing Summer Stress

In order to maintain healthy, strong turf that can withstand the extreme summer weather, turf managers need every edge in order to retain peak playing conditions during the stressful times.

High temperatures cause the roots of many grass varieties to shorten and even die during the summer. Regrowth does occur with the onset of cooler weather in the autumn. However, some steps can be taken to limit and even prevent severe damage. Timely application of fungicides can help suppress diseases that take a toll on turf during summertime drought conditions. Healthier turf can withstand summer decline much better than turf that is already diseased and damaged.

Phosphites are commonly used from late spring through the fall to help combat summer stress syndrome in both warm and cool season grasses. Get better performance and the most for your money with higher concentration and stabilized phosphites. And a helpful hint – ask how they are manufactured; an exothermic reaction is vital. Differences in the manufacturing process determine product stability, longevity and performance. Make sure your phosphite stays in solution longer and is pure with no precipitates so that turf can quickly, easily and effectively absorb the solution for quick plant response and minimal waste.    

Aerating, combined with a thorough and deep watering help open turf pore spaces which results in the improved distribution of water, chemicals and air that are important to turf health and uniformity. During the extremely stressful times turn to smaller pencil/needle-tines which aren’t as disruptive. Along with a physical program managing thatch chemically also improves water and air flow to root systems and creates a stronger plant. Open ‘em up and let them breathe.

Syringing and hand-watering are other practices which help lower soil temperatures, cool the turf canopy and reduce wilt during extreme heat to reduce summer stress. Since these practices can be time consuming and labor intensive wetting agent pellets can help the spreading of water on the leaf surface and improve syringing and hand watering efficiency.  Especially when hand-watering consider pellets that contain seaweed extract to help increase turf stress tolerance and expedite water and nutrient transfer to roots.

Wetting Agent Use

When you choose the right wetting agent for your turf, water and soil conditions you maintain the proper amount of moisture in the rootzone.  Surfaces stay dry and rootzones are uniformly hydrated throughout the profile. You reduce turf stress and wilt even when high temperatures and/or very dry conditions persist.

Biostimulant Use for Stress Tolerance, Plant Health and Natural Color

There is a lot of scientific evidence behind the benefits of seaplant extract to help with drought resistance.   Dr. Dick Schmidt of VA Tech said, “every time we have tested seaplant extract treated turf, the treated turf leaf tissue has contained more moisture than the untreated.”

Auburn University research, during the stressful 2010 summer proved bio-stimulant use increases bentgrass turf density.

Research trials at Rutgers University in 2010 and 2011 also showed increased turfgrass quality ratings, reduced turf stress and a lower incidence of the stress related disease Anthracnose.

Carbon based organic products are another great water and nutrient management tool. Soil high in carbon stays moist longer after rains and irrigation, has better structure for a healthier root growing environment and exchanges nutrients more efficiently than soil with less carbon.

A combination of the above products and cultural practices will help superintendents get through the stressful summer months and help turf to tolerate and recover from high heat and humidity.