Sports Turf Agronomy Advice - April 2026
March can often be characterised as a mild transition into spring but in parts it has felt much like winter!
There has been a mix of conditions, reinforcing just how variable early spring in the UK can be. Periods of mild, almost spring-like weather were interspersed with cooler spells, heavy rainfall events and frosty mornings were still present. While not as persistently wet as earlier in the year, rainfall remained inconsistent, often arriving in short, heavier bursts rather than prolonged periods. It is this shift in rainfall incidence which highlights the challenges for turf managers, as more so than ever surfaces must be able to cope with high volumes of water, but now in a condensed time frame. Putting a higher importance on infiltration rates and drainage systems.
The latter part of the month in particular saw an improvement in temperatures and more favourable growing conditions, helping to initiate recovery from winter stress. Longer daylight hours and rising soil temperatures have started to stimulate some early season growth, although this has remained steady rather than rampant due to still relatively cool night-time temperatures.
Overall, March was generally milder than average, particularly in the second half of the month. Daytime temperatures regularly reached double figures, with occasional peaks above (>18ºC) seasonal norms. However, the cooler nights continued to suppress any rapid growth, especially on fine turf areas. Rainfall totals were moderate overall ( Avg.75 mm) but highly variable regionally. Many areas experienced extended dry spells, punctuated by the short periods of heavier rainfall. Western regions saw higher totals, while eastern areas remained comparatively dry. Growth Potential is still well below what is classed as good growing conditions, with a historic 2 week average at the end of March of 9%.
A further gradual increase in temperature and daylight hours through April will see a steady rise in growth potential, allowing for more recovery from winter wear and any renovations that have taken place. However, looking at the forecasted temperatures for the month growth will not race away, meaning turf managers will have to manage expectations in relation to surface quality as different grass species come through spring with differing growth rates. Nutritional demands will steadily increase in line with GP. Whilst GP remains relatively low, applications of manageable amounts of consistent nitrogen inputs will support controlled growth without excessively wasting inputs that the plant cannot efficiently utilise.
Key Considerations
Moisture Management
With rainfall arriving in bursts rather than consistently, ensuring even moisture distribution in the rootzone will be important. Early use of wetting agents can be crucial to help prevent the onset of hydrophobic conditions and improve water use efficiency and nutrient uptake. On recent site visits whilst sampling, following a relatively short dry period, there has been evidence of variability in volumetric moisture content in the rootzone.
They should be used in accordance with the desired outcome as not all wetting agent products utilise the same technologies. Block co-polymers are now commonly used and are safe on fine and sports turf areas. They help to reduce water repellence issues in rootzones and soils, improve soil water content and the amount of plant available water. Within the category of block co-polymer you have, straight block co-polymer to enhance water movement into the rootzone and reverse block co-polymer (retainer) which enhance moisture retention in the rootzone.
Blends of both, straight and reverse block co-polymer are now commonplace within the industry, which aim to utilise the benefits of both technologies.
Other products available include those containing Alkyl Polyglucosides which make use of a sugar molecule reacted with a fatty acid to reduce water repellence. These can be mixed with straight block co-polymers and are widely used in the turfgrass industry. Lastly there is the unique modified methyl capped block co-polymer which creates a thin film of water around the soil particle which reduces the ability of the soil to completely dry out, meaning low volumetric water content can be achieved without becoming hydrophobic. Determining what the goal is for your site in relation to water management and distribution is key to deciding which technologies are going to help you achieve it.
Rooting
April is an opportune time to focus applications around stimulating as much rooting as possible as this is when root growth is at its peak. High nitrogen applications at this point would only serve to stimulate excess leaf growth at the expense of root development. Therefore, it is key to align the nitrogen inputs with the requirements of the plant. There’s a plethora of products available on the market that report to have a beneficial effects in root development. Products high in auxin content will have a positive effect on rooting as it is auxin that is a key regulator of lateral root formation, which is essential for building a robust rootmass in the rootzone. At the same time, ensuring there is some phosphorous supplied within any fertiliser applications will also encourage the grass plant to establish deeper, more extensive root systems at this key period. Any nutrient applications made should be in line with soil test results.
In summary, with growth potential now hopefully on the increase, this is a key window for:
- Encouraging recovery from winter damage
- Supporting root development ahead of the summer
- Preparing surfaces for increased play and maintenance intensity
Tom Wood
B.Sc (Hons) | MBPR | FQA
