Winter stress on turf has been a topic on many superintendents minds this winter. Winter damage can occur five different ways:
- low-temperature kill
- winter desiccation
- snow molds
- ice damage
- crown hydration
The turf has been protected and insulated by heavy amounts of snow for most of the winter, which at this time, has alleviated concerns about low-temperature kill and desiccation. Fungicides that were sprayed in the fall are holding up great and are protecting the plants against pink and gray snowmold.
Ice damage is currently at the forefront because the turf has been under ice for a substantial amount of time. The ice traps gasses which could become toxic to the plants. This winter we have spent a significant amount of time surveying and sampling greens. All of the plugs so far are looking good and more importantly smelling good. The toxic gasses that can be trapped have a very distinct smell. So far, so good. The ice over the turf has remained porous enough to allow for adequate gas exachange between the soil and air.
Crown hydration is still a concern once the snow and ice begin to melt. Crown hydration occurs when the plant takes up water and then refreezes, causing internal damage to the cells of the plant.
When the melt occurs, we will be focusing our attention on removing the excess surface water to eliminate any refreezing.
Please continue to check the blog for updates and changes. Thanks.
- low-temperature kill
- winter desiccation
- snow molds
- ice damage
- crown hydration
The turf has been protected and insulated by heavy amounts of snow for most of the winter, which at this time, has alleviated concerns about low-temperature kill and desiccation. Fungicides that were sprayed in the fall are holding up great and are protecting the plants against pink and gray snowmold.
Ice damage is currently at the forefront because the turf has been under ice for a substantial amount of time. The ice traps gasses which could become toxic to the plants. This winter we have spent a significant amount of time surveying and sampling greens. All of the plugs so far are looking good and more importantly smelling good. The toxic gasses that can be trapped have a very distinct smell. So far, so good. The ice over the turf has remained porous enough to allow for adequate gas exachange between the soil and air.
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| Myles smelling #14 green under 3 feet of snow, no ice |
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| plugs from #15 ,#2, #14, and #16 that we pulled inside to monitor |
Crown hydration is still a concern once the snow and ice begin to melt. Crown hydration occurs when the plant takes up water and then refreezes, causing internal damage to the cells of the plant.
When the melt occurs, we will be focusing our attention on removing the excess surface water to eliminate any refreezing.
Please continue to check the blog for updates and changes. Thanks.