surface with good grass coverage is their aim. While many factors go into this, one of the most fundamental is management of moisture in the
producing a consistent, firm (not soft or hard)
however, is the role that soil surfactants can play beyond helping with dry patch. In combination with good drainage and cultivation practices, soil
news for readers. What may be news to some,
surfactants can help manage water in the soil where it is most important; the rootzone.
rootzone. This will not be earth shattering
Professional turf managers the world over agree that
I
t is general knowledge that consistent and desirable levels of water and air are required in the rootzone to achieve healthy turf and firm surfaces, and that these are affected by drainage, soil compaction, and drought. Many factors come to play that work against the realisation of those desirable rootzone conditions that are needed to produce good quality sporting surfaces. A few that have a huge impact, and are beyond the direct control of the turf manager, are weather - especially very wet or very dry conditions - natural changes in the soil environment and the use of the playing surfaces which is, after all, their ultimate purpose. While turf managers have not yet achieved the ability to control Mother Nature and the users of their facilities, they do have tools and practices available to manage the consequences.
A common factor of the consequences of weather, change in the soil environment and use is their negative impact on soil moisture relations and the turf ’s growing environment. Poor drainage, which can be caused by and contribute to compaction, is perhaps the biggest headache to many sports turf managers.
Of course the wet conditions accompanying poor drainage create soft surfaces that are, at least, messy if not unplayable, and also contribute to increased likelihood of disease and its associated turf damage. Compaction, resulting from foot traffic, especially
when soils are wet, inhibits good turf growth and, when things dry out, results in surfaces that are too hard and interfere with play or increase potential for injury. And soil water repellency and other natural changes in the rootzone environment interfere with water movement into and through the soil, further confounding the soil moisture conditions and the ability of turf to grow uniformly. Addressing what is going on with water in the soil is key to getting turf, and the sporting surface, back on track.
Where to start?
Evaluate the situation at hand. If there are evident problems, determine what and where they are and why they are occurring. “Prescription without diagnosis is malpractice”. This phrase is as applicable in our industry as it is in medicine and many other areas to which it can be applied. So, before launching into any practice or programme, first taking stock is a good idea. This is equally valuable, maybe even best, when things are going well, before problems are apparent. Identifying causes of problems, or potential problems, is an important part of the diagnosis in order to select the most effective management practices.
Good drainage is vital for achieving desirable levels of air and water in the rootzone. However, there are various factors that can contribute to drainage problems which, if they are not all recognised and addressed, may cause
Managing water
IN THE SOIL
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