walls. It also encourages good respiration especially in periods of high heat and humidity. Turf which is deficient in calcium has reduced root growth and pale leaves and does not respond well to nitrogen or iron fertilisers. Calcium needs to be used with care, as it is also alkaline and can affect the pH of the soil. Fine turf does best in an acidic soil so calcium, if needed, should only be applied in small amounts, ideally as a liquid.


Magnesium (Mg)


This interaction is simplified and summarised in the diagram above.


For example:


A high level of Reduces the availability of Calcium


Boron, Iron & Magnesium


Potassium Magnesium Phosphorus Zinc Nitrogen Copper


Copper Iron


SO WHAT ROLE DOES EACH NUTRIENT FULFIL?


Phosphorus (P)


Phosphorus is critical for the promotion of root development and the establishment of turf, so we often recommend higher levels for young turf. It is also required for the breakdown of carbohydrates and the transfer of energy. Turf deficient in phosphorus has spindly shoots, and can be purplish or reddish in colour. Excessive levels should be avoided on fine turf as it encourages weed grasses such as annual meadow grass, and makes the turf more prone to disease.


Phosphate is very persistent in the soil and so should only be used with care. Ryegrass dominated winter sports turf can cope with higher levels of phosphate than fine turf. It is normal to recommend adopting a zero phosphate fertiliser programme on golf or bowling greens.


Potassium (K)


Potassium serves to promote the formation of strong cell membranes and improve tolerance to stress such as from cold, heat, wear, and disease. Turf which is short of potash often has yellowish soft drooping leaves, and a poorly developed root system. However, potash is very mobile in the soil and can be quickly leached out, so it would be worthwhile to try to maintain high potash levels. Potassium and magnesium work in combination and it is important to try to maintain a ratio of about 1.5:1 potassium to magnesium.


Calcium (Ca)


Calcium aids in the uptake and movement of other nutrients around the plant, and is a major constituent of cell


Magnesium promotes winter hardiness and early growth. It is essential for nitrogen metabolism and chlorophyll synthesis and helps the turf to utilise iron and phosphate. Turf which is short of magnesium has yellowing drooping leaves.


Magnesium interacts with both calcium and potassium so should be kept in balance with those. Ideally the calcium to magnesium ratio should be about 10:1.


Sulphur (S)


Sulphur is necessary for the utilisation of nitrogen, and forms proteins in the plant. Turf requires one unit of sulphur for every 14 units of nitrogen that it uses. Since the introduction of the clean air act, sulphur deficiency is more common. Symptoms include slow growth and yellow leaves. However we often encounter greens with high levels of sulphur which can lead to the formation of black layer when iron is present. This is also indicative of poor drainage and anaerobic conditions. These lead to a reduction in microbial activity and an accumulation of thatch, which forms an ideal environment for disease. In high sulphur situations it is often recommended to choose a fertiliser with a low sulphur content.


Zinc (Zn)


Zinc is important for cell elongation, sugar consumption and uniform growth. Turf which is deficient in zinc is withered and has mottled leaves. High levels of phosphate in the soil can interfere with zinc uptake.


Golf or bowling greens which are high in Zinc can have problems with the lock up of various nutrients especially iron. Application of seaweed and humic acid products can help to reduce the level by increasing the cation exchange capacity.


Manganese (Mn)


Manganese is important for nitrogen uptake, activation of enzymes and photosynthesis. It may also play a part in protecting the turf from disease. Deficiency symptoms include spotted or mottled leaves. Manganese is often deficient in sandy soils, and is most available at pH 6, but high pH reduces its availability greatly.


If manganese is in short supply it is often worthwhile to apply a manganese supplement to help with vigour and disease control.


READER ENQUIRIES:


You can contact our advertisers direct or by emailing peter@pitchcare.com where your enquiry will be forwarded on.


Alternatively log on to www.pitchcare.com/readerenquiries where you will be directed straight to the relevant advertisers website


25


Copper (Cu)


Copper is essential for chlorophyll production and the correct operation of photosynthesis. It also acts as an enzyme activator. Deficient turf has stunted withered leaves with often a dark blue/green colour, and dead or brown spots.


Iron (Fe)


Iron is necessary for chlorophyll formation, good colour and resistance to disease. Since iron is very widely used for cosmetic greening, it is unusual to find any deficient turf, but symptoms can include yellowing, spindly leaves. Most golf courses and bowling greens have a high level of iron in the soil because of historic usage. This can lead to lock up of potassium and phosphorus and has the tendency to promote black layer when high levels of sulphur are present. The high iron levels are likely to be resistant to change; however it is possible to use a specialist wetting agent to release the locked in iron and flush it out of the soil profile. The reduction in iron levels can also be helped by reducing the amount of iron applied to the turf.


Boron (B)


Boron aids in shoot and root growth by assisting in the control of hormones and the translocation of sugars around the plant. Turf which is deficient in boron is stunted with discoloured leaves and cracked roots.


I hope that this brief look at the properties of nutrients has shown that as a turf professional you cannot afford to rely on guesswork or random trial and error. Regular assessment of the turf by a


reputable Agronomist is a great help in improving the quality of your turf, and will normally include soil sampling followed by analysis by a specialist laboratory. The agronomist should then provide an individual interpretation of the results with recommendations for an appropriate fertiliser, nutrient and management programme. Regular soil analysis and careful monitoring are the key to making sound management decisions and producing sustainable, durable high quality playing surfaces.


Article written by GEORGE ATTWOOD-HARRIS Bsc MBPR Sports Turf Consultancy Associates Ltd


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52