Prolonged ice accumulation can lead to fatal carbon dioxide levels in turfgrass.
How Does It Happen?
Underneath a sheet of non-porous ice, turf will begin respiring and building up gases. The ice cover produces an impermeable barrier, eventually trapping high levels of carbon dioxide beneath it and reducing the plant’s oxygen levels. If ice coverage is prolonged (30+ days), the buildup of carbon dioxide becomes too high for some plants to survive, especially Poa annua.
Note: Porous ice, on the other hand, is cloudy, which helps block sunlight infiltration. Without sunlight, there is less gas buildup.
How Do I Prevent Damage?
Remove non-porous ice sheets as soon as possible. Superintendents often choose black sand and dark-colored fertilizers because they absorb sunlight and won’t damage turf.
Turf damage discovered after the ice melts, especially on greens, may require aggressive tactics for a quick recovery. Some of these tactics include increasing fertility, extensive overseeding, and raising canopy and soil temperatures to promote germination and growth. Environmental conditions often make it impossible to begin seeding in the early spring, which could make sodding the only option.
Be sure to reach out to your ATS rep for additional wintertime tips.
