management problem during the summer months, especially during periods of drought. Despite frequent irrigation, the soil in these spots resists wetting, resulting in patches of dead or severely wilted turf. The water applied wets the turf, but does not adequately penetrate the soil surface to reach the rootzone.
Continual studies of dry spots in turfgrass have found that the hydrophobic condition was restricted to the top one inch of soil. The infiltration rate in the dry spots was only twenty percent of that measured in normal areas. Therefore, a water drop penetration test is always recommended. Simply take a core, place a pipette of water every one inch from the top of the core down for five inches. If the water stays on the core without dispersing into the profile for five seconds or longer you have dry patch!
Once your core has
proved you have dry patch, then you, as the turf manager, can attack the problem based on budget, manpower and severity. The surfactant technologies around today give you many options. An informed choice, after understanding your problem, is your way of combating dry patch.
Residuals, Penetrants and Curatives
Wetting agents can be split into three categories: Residual, Penetrants and Curatives. Residuals keep working over a given stated period, depending on the amount of time you require it to work, but will only mask the dry patch. Curatives combat the
problem of dry patch, but never totally alleviate the problem as, every time you topdress, you add a further layer of dry patch to your turf. One of the lesser known facts is that when using curatives your water consumption can reduce by up to 30% year on year. Penetrants help remove standing water as well as move water through the profile. Many turf
managers use penetrants in a tank mix, when using other chemicals to get the product through the profile immediately.
Whenever tank mixing
any product, always prepare a jar test first to guarantee compatibility.
Available today in the
marketplace are the following wetting agent technologies:
Liquids
• 7 day treatments (penetrant)
• 30 day treatments (residual)
• 30 day treatments with added kelp (residual)
• 30 day curative treatment
• 3 applications per season (curative)
• 30 day fairway treatment (residual)
• 90 day treatments (residual)
• 240 day treatments (residual)
Application of use
240 day treatments are generally used on bunker faces, tee areas and high spots.
90 day treatments are used on tee areas.
All 30 day and 7 day applications are generally used on the greens.
Curatives are used on the greens only.
Pellets/tablets
Penetrants: Will stave off the greens burning up over a hot weekend.
Residuals: Will re-wet for a period of up to 7 days, but should not be used as a programme, residual pellets are for emergencies only. Some contain kelp to act as an immediate bio- stimulant hit.
Tablets: To be put in the irrigation system to use on fairways, tees and greens. These are 30 day residual products.
Now you have this information, make sure you don’t make your representative’s sales target for the month, but that your wetting agent budget is spent on what you want!
About the author: David Goldstone is the
Credit – at least £100 for your old trailer
Crunch – no crunch just a great deal
CAMPEY TURF CARE SYSTEMS Marton,
Macclesfield Cheshire SK11 9HG
Tel: 01260 224568 Fax: 01260 224791
Email:
info@campeyturfcare.com www.campeyturfcare.com
OVERSEED WITH CONFIDENCE IN ONE PASS
VREDO SPORT SERIES DOUBLE
DISC SEEDERS place seed directly into soil contact at an adjustable depth, protecting it from the elements and ensuring successful germination every time.
The compact roller closes the slits to help create a level surface.
Essential equipment for Local Authorities, Contractors and Sports Clubs.
SEEDING WIDTHS FROM 3.5cm - 7.5cm
COMPACT: Working widths available: 1.0, 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0m
SPORT SERIES: Working width: 2.2m
SUPA COMPACT: Working widths available: 0.8, 1.2 and 1.6m
The Indespension SE07064R is an ideal trailer for grounds maintenance.
Our package includes a spare wheel, prop stands and delivery and we will give you at least £100 for your existing trailer no matter what the condition.
Managing Director of Tower Sport (Europe) Ltd. who specialise in many different wetting agent technologies, some of which are mentioned in the above article. He can be contacted at:
david@towersporteurope.co.uk
To fi nd your nearest Indespension store or speak to one of our technical sales team
call 0845 3 720 720 (local rate call) or visit
www.indespension.com
Towbars • Trailers • Parts • Hire • Servicing • Roof Boxes Conditions apply 51
£100 MINIMUM TRADE-IN
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