Top Tips - Healthy fine turf even when the weather doesn’t play ball
Maintaining optimal turfgrass health during periods of inclement weather presents significant challenges.
Reduced solar output and frigid temperatures drastically curtail photosynthetic activity, impeding recovery and potentially leading to turfgrass decline.
A late-season renovation can mitigate these effects, but careful planning is essential. Prior to widespread application, it is recommended to conduct small-scale trials to evaluate the performance of various seed cultivars under the prevailing environmental conditions. This enables a data-driven approach to selecting the most suitable seed for maximising winter coverage. In recent trials, a dwarf rye cultivar exhibiting rapid germination and cold tolerance has demonstrated promising results for achieving effective turfgrass coverage, even in sub-optimal temperature regimes.
Close monitoring for turfgrass diseases, particularly Fusarium patch, is crucial. A severe outbreak late in the season can significantly impact turfgrass health, as diminished growth potential hinders recovery. While Fusarium outbreaks can sometimes manifest rapidly and unexpectedly, preventative measures can be implemented. Regular dew removal, as discussed in previous communications, is a key strategy. Prophylactic fungicide applications can also be effective in mitigating disease pressure. Furthermore, minimising nitrogen fertilisation late in the season is recommended, as excessive cell elongation can predispose turfgrass to disease. Additionally, it is generally considered unnecessary when growth is slowing.
Turfgrass, like any living organism, experiences stress and requires inputs to maintain optimal health. The application of a turf hardener can be particularly beneficial during periods of environmental stress, such as harsh winter conditions. These products typically contain a blend of iron, calcium, magnesium, and other micronutrients. These elements work synergistically to fortify cell walls, increasing the turfgrass’ resistance to both biotic (disease) and abiotic (environmental) stressors. This ‘hardening’ effect not only enhances stress tolerance but also contributes to improved colour without stimulating excessive growth. Furthermore, by strengthening the plant’s structure, a turf hardener can mitigate the detrimental effects of traffic stress - a major factor in winter turfgrass decline.
Mowing frequency should be minimised during periods of reduced growth. Avoid unnecessary mowing operations based on external pressures; a thorough assessment of turfgrass conditions is essential to determine the necessity of mowing. Mowing under suboptimal environmental conditions can have detrimental consequences, particularly during periods of limited recuperative capacity, such as the winter months. A single ill-advised mowing event can result in damage that persists for an extended duration.
Furthermore, proper maintenance of mowing equipment is crucial. Regular inspection of all mechanical components, including fasteners and hydraulic lines, is crucial to prevent equipment malfunctions that could result in further turfgrass injury and prolonged recovery.
James Matthewman is Deputy Head Greenkeeper at Maesteg Golf Club and welcomes topics for future Top Tips. Email: editor@pitchcare.com
