The warm temperatures in conjunction with low humidity and a breeze are making watering a challenge. We have 4 staff members out there dragging a hose all afternoon being sure not to allow much wilt. We are using the above roller base sprinkler head in areas the irrigation system doesn't reach. We have two of these sprinkler heads and they are running all day long as we move them around the course to different areas. The staff is doing a fantastic day keeping your course green. Long hours and hard work are required to make up for a poor quality irrigation system.
Rain is in the forecast...a 40% chance of afternoon thunderstorms on Saturday-Monday. We are in need of a slow soaking rain. A flash flood thunderstorm will not be of much help right now. At the same time, it is great seeing the course playing firm and getting good bounces and roll. Enjoy it as this doesn't occur often in our temperate rain forest community!
The science behind watering:
Plants use water (taken up via the roots) to cool themselves off. The water rises through the plants and is released through the stomata, or small openings in the leaf. The water evaporates, cooling the plant. This evaporative cooling is similar to the feeling of getting out of the shower...very cold! Once there is no available water left in the soil for the plant to take up, it wilts. The plant shuts itself down because it can not live without water. In most cases, the plant (or grass) goes dormant. However, Poa annua does not go dormant, it dies. This is why it is important to keep the turf well watered during drought times. We do not want to lose turf. On the other hand, it is a good time to allow Poa annua to check out, shifting the competitive advantage to the creeping bentgrass. In the shorter season we have in the mountains, I know most members appreciate green and certainly wouldn't be satisfied with the Pinehurst No.2 look! It is a delicate balance between maintaining adequate soil moisture and getting good ball roll as opposed to it being too wet.
The science behind watering:
Plants use water (taken up via the roots) to cool themselves off. The water rises through the plants and is released through the stomata, or small openings in the leaf. The water evaporates, cooling the plant. This evaporative cooling is similar to the feeling of getting out of the shower...very cold! Once there is no available water left in the soil for the plant to take up, it wilts. The plant shuts itself down because it can not live without water. In most cases, the plant (or grass) goes dormant. However, Poa annua does not go dormant, it dies. This is why it is important to keep the turf well watered during drought times. We do not want to lose turf. On the other hand, it is a good time to allow Poa annua to check out, shifting the competitive advantage to the creeping bentgrass. In the shorter season we have in the mountains, I know most members appreciate green and certainly wouldn't be satisfied with the Pinehurst No.2 look! It is a delicate balance between maintaining adequate soil moisture and getting good ball roll as opposed to it being too wet.