dry summers of 2003 and 2006, along with some very high
The prolonged
challenge in producing good turf conditions on many courses throughout the UK.
By Laurence Pithie MG, Courses Manager for Group Golf
DROUGHT and summer stress
SUCCESSIVE and previous dry winters and below average rainfall have not only led to water use restrictions in some parts of the country, but it has also tested many Course Manager’s ability to deliver a satisfactory product.
So what can be done to limit the effects
of a prolonged drought? Firstly, it really comes down to the basics of grasses and soils. Annual Meadow Grass is the most susceptible grass to suffer from drought, since it tends to produce shallow roots and, therefore, relies on periodic water for sustainability. Unfortunately, it is one of the most common grasses found on our greens, tees and fairways, especially on parkland and woodland style courses. The more indigenous grasses such as the Fescues and common Bents are far more tolerant of drought conditions, and it is these grasses that are the ideal, but the growing environment has to be correct to
favour these grasses. Smooth Stalk Meadow Grass (Kentucky Blue) is both hard wearing and drought tolerant but is slow to establish and not so common on fairways in the UK. Perennial Ryegrass is the other most common grass found on UK courses, especially in England, but earlier types are coarse and require reasonable amounts of both fertiliser and water to survive. Playing characteristics are of poorer quality and generally require more input to achieve an acceptable surface. The newer dwarf and fine leaved varieties, however, are both hard wearing and drought tolerant and, when used in mixes for tees, surrounds and fairways with Fescue and Bent, do produce good and sustainable surfaces. Plant breeders have developed a newly
introduced grass to the UK called Rhizomatous Tall Fescue and this has been used around bunker edges and
banks which are prone to drought and erosion. It has the capabilities of surviving hot and dry summers, although its leaf structure is coarser than the more traditional grasses in the UK. With regards to soils, and strange as it may seem, in terms of drought conditions, the most important aspect is that the soil must have good drainage to enable the turf to put down a good root system. Poorly drained soils that are prone to waterlogging are also susceptible to turf loss. Natural free draining soils are ideal for growing the preferred indigenous grasses but the heavier clay soils can also be drained to accommodate the desired species. Maintaining greens during periods of high summer temperatures and prolonged drought can be stressful to both the turf and the Course Manager. The loss of water from the turf (evapo-
temperatures, once again proved a
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