At this time of year, drought stress can pose a threat to athletic fields. Drought-stressed turf is less tolerant of traffic, weeds, and diseases. Although nobody can control the weather, there are steps sports field managers can take to alleviate drought stress on their fields.
Audit and Optimize Your Irrigation System and Schedule
A good first step is to audit the field’s irrigation system. Regular checks and maintenance are crucial for any important piece of equipment. Ensure that sprinkler heads are functioning correctly, water pressure is consistent, and coverage is even across the field. Issues with the irrigation system can lead to uneven watering. This can exacerbate drought stress by creating dry spots in areas where water isn’t reaching and cause oversaturation in areas where there is too much.
Once the system is verified to be in working order, implementing a well-planned irrigation schedule is the next step. This program will supply the turf with the water it needs and also help cool it down on hot, dry days. The early morning hours are the best time to water the field; This timing allows for maximum absorption. It’s important to note that following the schedule exactly as it’s planned isn’t always the best course of action. Instead, sports field managers should adjust the frequency and duration of irrigation based on weather conditions and the specific needs of their field.
Use Moisture Meters
Moisture meters like the FieldScout TDR 350 provide precise soil moisture readings, giving the user a clear understanding of how different parts of the field are performing. This data allows the user to tailor their irrigation practices based on water needs, ensuring that all areas of the field receive the right amount of water—without risking overwatering.
For moisture meters to work effectively, they should be placed at various points across the field. These readings should be checked often, and the field’s irrigation schedule should be adjusted based on the meters’ findings.
Be Strategic With Chemical Applications
During drought conditions, be selective about your chemical applications. Herbicides can do more harm than good in these situations. They are most effective when weeds are actively growing, which may not be the case during dry periods.
That being said, wetting agents can be an effective tool for managing drought stress. These products help alleviate hydrophobic conditions—when soils repel water—which improves water penetration and distribution. Wetting agents can be grouped into the subsets of infiltration and hydration, with infiltration products helping move water into the soil and hydration products helping soil hold water. Many products are designed as a combination of the two. For example, HydroPak Matador is a wetting agent designed to reduce repellency on sports fields and other areas, making it an infiltration product.
Mow Properly
Avoid mowing fields too short or too often during dry conditions, as this will cause drought symptoms to worsen. Maintain a higher mowing height to protect the turf during high-stress periods.
Ensure that mower blades are kept sharp so they make clean cuts. Dull blades can tear the grass, making it more susceptible to drought damage. The turf should also be cut high, since taller turfgrass conserves water and provides more shade to the soil.
Proactive care can help you mitigate drought stress and maintain a healthy field. For more tailored advice and product recommendations, reach out to your ATS representative.
