When summer heats up in the South, bentgrass managers turn their attention to disease, Localized Dry Spot (LDS), algae, fan operations, and of course, hand watering.

In high sand greens, the moisture from 1 ½" below the organic layer can be drawn out by the organic layer through wick action. Remember, salts wick with the water as well. This is why LDS can occur when moisture seems adequate in the organic mat layer. When temperatures become extreme, wilt can occur in a matter of hours with salt accumulations present. Moreover, this can occur in high and low areas at the same time.

Moisture checks must be in this underlying zone as well prevent more rapid root dieback and salt accumulations. Watering times, even light cycles, should be adjusted to add moisture to this layer and not just the organic or mat layer. If this layer does not receive moisture from irrigation, dry patches and wilt will occur, even though moisture seems to be present in the organic zone by the touch and visual inspection. Hand watering is the key component to balancing water in all areas of the green. As a side note to golfers…hand watering greens will never be eliminated by a new irrigation system! The success of moisture management is largely dependent on understanding the dynamics of water in the root zone.

Take your hand watering personnel out to LDS areas and observe this layered drying with a profiler instead of just a soil probe. It will give them a much clearer understanding of the mechanics of such a critical job.

We strongly urge you to visit the USGA web site at www.usga.org and click on Supporting the Game to learn more about Green Section programs and to stay up-to-date on activities in the Mid-Continent area via our Mid-continent Regional Update, ( http://www.usga.org/turf/regional_updates/regional_updates.html ) bringing you new information every two weeks.

If you would like more information about a Turf Advisory Service visit, please contact either of the Mid-Continent regional offices: Bud White, (972) 662-1138 or ( budwhite@usga.org ) and Ty McClellan, tmcclellan@usga.org or (630) 340-5853.