A few summers ago, Europe experienced a prolonged period of high temperatures that broke many records. By definition, cool season grasses are grass types that thrive in areas with cold winters and relatively hot summers. These grasses grow best when temperatures are between 18 and 27°C. The summer of 2018 saw daytime temperatures consistently reaching […]
Read More… from Understanding Plant Respiration & Heat Stress
Turfgrass injury and damage is caused by either abiotic or biotic factors. Some examples of abiotic factors or stressors include extreme weather/temperatures, soil compaction, nutrients/light, excess or deficient water, and adverse cultural practices. On the flipside, biotic stressors include living factors such as fungi, bacteria, viruses and pests. Though the differentiation between the two stressors […]
Read More… from Abiotic vs Biotic Stress Problems: How to Differentiate & Diagnose
Using a pre-emergent herbicide to control weeds on turf can be considered a “no-brainer” for many superintendents. However, there are some additional steps that can be taken to ensure that each pre-emergent application is as beneficial as it can be for a course. A few of those steps revolve around timing, multiple applications, watering-in, and […]
Read More… from How to Get the Most Out of Your Pre-Emergent Application
Spring is in the air; the days are getting longer and when the sun does shine, it’s starting to feel just a little warmer. The natural world is coming back to life after what will have felt like a very, very, VERY long winter for many of us. However, these glimpses of spring bring hope […]
As summer turns to autumn one will often hear a greenkeeper refer to their plan to apply a turf hardener to their beloved surfaces. Let us first define the phrase “turf hardener” – a non-fungicidal material, or mix of materials, that when applied to turf has the potential to reduce the likelihood of fungal disease […]
Read More… from Turf Hardeners – A Tool to Reduce the Need for Chemical Disease Prevention
Salt build-up and the subsequent problems associated with that build up can cause multiple problems – from slow and blotchy germination to Rapid Blight. When not addressed prior to overseeding, turfgrass can struggle to germinate properly. The combination of the salt level in the irrigation water and the turfgrass’ salt tolerance determines how to manage […]
With the prospect of winter turning to spring, sports turf managers can look forward to the benefits this change of season brings to their playing surfaces. We have experienced milder winters in recent years and the timing of spring has become less predictable. However, the concept of longer daylight hours and warmer rainfall, combined with […]
Read More… from The Benefits of an Early Surfactant Application
Knowing your soil’s pH is one of the keys to unlocking nutrient availability. By gaining insight on this common soil property measurement you can correct and prevent issues including nutrient deficiencies, diseases, and more. Soil pH is a measurement of the alkalinity or acidity of soil. The degree of soil acidity measures the hydrogen ion […]
Autumn brings with it plenty of changes for golf course superintendents and turfgrass crews. With fewer rounds and more favorable growing conditions, the focus shifts from playability and maintenance to winter preparedness. While “to-do” list items for winterizing your course depend on the species of turfgrass on your course, many of the practices listed below […]
Sports turf managers face the challenge of maintaining a safe and playable turfgrass surface while reducing inputs such as fertilizer and water – it’s no easy task. Surface firmness of athletic fields has received more attention in recent years due to increased awareness and heightened concussion prevention standards. With students returning to school, and resuming play […]
