The Role of Soil Surfactants in Preparing for Drought Conditions
The Role of Soil Surfactants in Preparing for Drought Conditions
®
The Role of Soil Wetting Agents in Preparing for Drought Conditions The summer of 2012 was abnormally hot and dry across large sections of Eastern Canada. A lack of rain and record high temperatures led to major crop losses for farmers. The extreme conditions also created headaches for golf course superintendents across Ontario. Tasked with keeping course conditions playable despite the lack of rain, many golf courses experienced a dip in turf quality and an uptick in water and energy costs.
What Lies Ahead? A look at precipitation rates from September 2012 to April 2013 shows signs of recovery in some areas of Ontario. However, other areas of the province are still experiencing below normal to extremely dry conditions. As we head into the heart of the spring season, it appears that many golf courses should be prepared for the challenges of another dry season.
Now is the Time to Prepare The most important thing to remember is that effective drought preparations do not take place in June or July. They start now. As superintendents across Eastern Canada place orders for the upcoming season, particular attention should be paid to soil surfactants (or soil wetting agents as they are often called). Soil surfactants already play a central role in most turf management programs. However, these tools take on added importance when faced with the prospect of drought conditions. As the availability of water decreases, the need to increase irrigation efficiency becomes imperative. Choosing the right surfactant program could mean the difference between thriving or merely surviving in a dry year. A successful surfactant program can increase resistance to summer stresses brought on by high temperatures, increased foot and cart traffic, and attacks from certain insects and pathogens. Simply put, golf courses that implement a proven, preventative surfactant program this spring can expect to see healthier, more uniform turf throughout the summer. The key to any successful surfactant program is to start early. Instituting a proven surfactant program at the beginning of the season provides a number of benefits. By increasing soil moisture uniformity, surfactants encourage deeper, more uniform root growth and healthier turf. If the growing environment is managed to its peak potential early in the season, turf will be better able to defend itself when summer stress kicks in. In addition, water and energy savings produced early in the season can be banked for a later date when the need for pumping irrigation water becomes greater. In this way, you can think of your surfactant program as an “insurance policy” against extended dry periods.
®
On Fairways During dry periods, water and energy costs can spike dramatically as turf managers pump more irrigation water to make up for the lack of precipitation. Logically, most of this water is applied to fairways. However, the sloped features of a golf course and naturally occurring issues with soil water repellency can cause much of this applied water to run off the surface before being properly absorbed by turfgrass. Implementing a proven soil surfactant program on fairways can help to significantly reduce the amount of irrigation water needed on your course and provide a source of energy savings in the process. The use of Dispatch has shown to reduce the amount of water lost to run-off by up to 20%. For those dealing with tight budgets or the prospect of water use restrictions, that 20% could mean a world of difference when dry weather hits. A study conducted at CalPoly University showed that Dispatch maintained higher volumetric water content in soils, even at significantly reduced irrigation rates based on evapotranspiration (ET) replacement.
Dispatch Reduces Runoff (Ohio State University, Wooster, 2004) 70 60
*
*
58
40 30 20 10 0
Control
(CalPoly University, Pomona, 2003)
45
= 95% confidence interval
72
50
Dispatch Maintains Turf at Reduced ET Replacement
Dispatch
Dispatch reduces water lost to runoff by nearly 20%.
Volumetric Water Content
Number of Tippings
80
40 35 30 25
Dispatch a 36
Control b 28
a 29
a 28 b 18
20 15 70%
30% % ET Replacement
b 16 10%
By reducing waste lost to run-off and maximizing the efficiency of applied water, Dispatch can allow turf managers to reduce irrigation by 20% to 40% while maintaining high quality turf. As irrigation rates are reduced, golf courses can see savings on two fronts: through reduced water consumption and lower energy costs. These savings become particularly important in drought years when water and energy costs are more heavily scrutinized.
On Greens, Tees, and Approaches Instituting a Revolution program on high traffic areas this spring can go a long way in guiding them through the dog days of summer. Revolution’s unique chemical structure allows it to attach more closely to soil particles than any other surfactant on the market, enabling water to form thinner, continuous films through the soil. Improved Soil Moisture Uniformity Revolution’s advanced formulation has proven to provide more uniform soil moisture levels under a wide variety of conditions. This leads to more consistent moisture levels near the soil surface and drier, firmer conditions that results in more uniform playability. Research from Dr. Doug Karcher at the University of Arkansas showed that Revolution maintained more favorable soil moisture levels during drought conditions (b). Just as importantly, Revolution also provided more uniform moisture when more water than necessary was applied (a). By perfectly balancing air and water in the rootzone, Revolution can help greens thrive during the unpredictable summer months, rain or shine.
Plant Health Benefits In addition to its ability to provide comprehensive water management, research has shown that Revolution also provides a number of plant health benefits as well. Studies conducted by Dr. Erik Ervin at Virginia Tech showed that Revolution consistently increased the production of proline in turfgrass. Proline is an important water-regulating amino acid that helps plants cope with drought and heat stress. Proline Content in Leaves – Virginia Tech, 2003 0.4
Proline – mg/g Fresh Weight
0.35
Revolution Control
0.3 0.25 0.2 0.15 0.1 0.05 0
June 9
July 11
August 12
Dr. Ervin’s research also showed an increase in the production of Chlorophyll a in plots treated with Revolution. Chlorophyll a contributes to more efficient photosynthesis and better production of nonstructural carbohydrates that function as an energy reserve to keep turf healthy under stress. Chlorophyll a Production
Revolution® Control
VA Tech, 2003
16
Chlorophyll Levels
14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0
June 9
July 11
August 12
In the same study, Revolution plots showed an increase in levels of critical antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. These antioxidants play important roles in turf health by breaking down damaging free radicals into water and oxygen. As environmental stresses increase, the activity of these antioxidants must also be increased and maintained in order for the plant to survive. Dr. Ervin’s research shows that Revolution maintains SOD activity and catalase stability at consistently higher levels than the untreated control, preventing the buildup of free radicals that can cause cellular damage. Superoxide Dismutase Activity VA Tech, 2003
20
SOD Activity Level
16 14 12 10 8 6 4
VA Tech, 2003
70 Catalase Stability Level
18
Revolution® Control
60 50 40 30 20 10
2 0
Catalase Stability
Revolution® Control
June 9
July 11
August 12
0
June 9
July 11
August 12
By dynamically changing how water is distributed in the rootzone, Revolution helps turf managers tap into turf’s natural ability to protect itself against the effects of environmental stress. Superintendents who implement a Revolution program on their greens this Spring will see turf that is healthier, more consistent, and better able to defend itself against the many stresses of summer.
On Greens, Tees, and Approaches Though greens, tees, and approaches make up far less acreage on a golf course, they receive a disproportionate amount of scrutiny. These areas are the most visible to players and remain under constant stress from high traffic. As such, these areas are typically the most highly managed on a golf course. Primer 604 is a high performance soil surfactant that reduces soil water repellency that commonly occurs in the thatch and upper 1-2 inches of the soil profile of highly managed turf, particularly greens. By managing soil hydrophobicity, Primer 604 enhances penetration and infiltration of water into the rootzone throughout the growing season. This reduces problems with preferential flow and water channeling. The computer enhanced photos below show the differences in water flow beneath the surface of a USGA sand green profile. The green on the left was left untreated while the green on the right was treated with Primer 604. Notice the major differences in flow pattern.
Fingered flow in an untreated green
Matrix flow after treatment with Primer 604
This improved moisture distribution leads to increased root growth, better playing conditions, and significant reductions in water waste. All of these factors become increasingly critical in drier-thannormal seasons when the availability of water is more limited. Primer 604 allows for flexible application rates to fit different soil types and conditions. It is available in both granular and sprayable formulations.
The Bottom Line Seasons like 2012 remind us that we are ultimately at the whim of unpredictable weather conditions. While a repeat of last year’s historic drought isn’t guaranteed, there are enough warning signs that we should be prepared for another difficult season in 2013. Aquatrols offers a number of proven soil surfactants that can help turf managers offset the physical and financial strain of a drought year. The key is to start early. For more information on Revolution, Primer 604 or Dispatch, visit www.aquatrols.com or contact your local Aquatrols distributor.
®
The Role of Soil Wetting Agents in Preparing for Drought Conditions The summer of 2012 was abnormally hot and dry across large sections of Eastern Canada. A lack of rain and record high temperatures led to major crop losses for farmers. The extreme conditions also created headaches for golf course superintendents across Ontario. Tasked with keeping course conditions playable despite the lack of rain, many golf courses experienced a dip in turf quality and an uptick in water and energy costs.
What Lies Ahead? A look at precipitation rates from September 2012 to April 2013 shows signs of recovery in some areas of Ontario. However, other areas of the province are still experiencing below normal to extremely dry conditions. As we head into the heart of the spring season, it appears that many golf courses should be prepared for the challenges of another dry season.
Now is the Time to Prepare The most important thing to remember is that effective drought preparations do not take place in June or July. They start now. As superintendents across Eastern Canada place orders for the upcoming season, particular attention should be paid to soil surfactants (or soil wetting agents as they are often called). Soil surfactants already play a central role in most turf management programs. However, these tools take on added importance when faced with the prospect of drought conditions. As the availability of water decreases, the need to increase irrigation efficiency becomes imperative. Choosing the right surfactant program could mean the difference between thriving or merely surviving in a dry year. A successful surfactant program can increase resistance to summer stresses brought on by high temperatures, increased foot and cart traffic, and attacks from certain insects and pathogens. Simply put, golf courses that implement a proven, preventative surfactant program this spring can expect to see healthier, more uniform turf throughout the summer. The key to any successful surfactant program is to start early. Instituting a proven surfactant program at the beginning of the season provides a number of benefits. By increasing soil moisture uniformity, surfactants encourage deeper, more uniform root growth and healthier turf. If the growing environment is managed to its peak potential early in the season, turf will be better able to defend itself when summer stress kicks in. In addition, water and energy savings produced early in the season can be banked for a later date when the need for pumping irrigation water becomes greater. In this way, you can think of your surfactant program as an “insurance policy” against extended dry periods.
®
On Fairways During dry periods, water and energy costs can spike dramatically as turf managers pump more irrigation water to make up for the lack of precipitation. Logically, most of this water is applied to fairways. However, the sloped features of a golf course and naturally occurring issues with soil water repellency can cause much of this applied water to run off the surface before being properly absorbed by turfgrass. Implementing a proven soil surfactant program on fairways can help to significantly reduce the amount of irrigation water needed on your course and provide a source of energy savings in the process. The use of Dispatch has shown to reduce the amount of water lost to run-off by up to 20%. For those dealing with tight budgets or the prospect of water use restrictions, that 20% could mean a world of difference when dry weather hits. A study conducted at CalPoly University showed that Dispatch maintained higher volumetric water content in soils, even at significantly reduced irrigation rates based on evapotranspiration (ET) replacement.
Dispatch Reduces Runoff (Ohio State University, Wooster, 2004) 70 60
*
*
58
40 30 20 10 0
Control
(CalPoly University, Pomona, 2003)
45
= 95% confidence interval
72
50
Dispatch Maintains Turf at Reduced ET Replacement
Dispatch
Dispatch reduces water lost to runoff by nearly 20%.
Volumetric Water Content
Number of Tippings
80
40 35 30 25
Dispatch a 36
Control b 28
a 29
a 28 b 18
20 15 70%
30% % ET Replacement
b 16 10%
By reducing waste lost to run-off and maximizing the efficiency of applied water, Dispatch can allow turf managers to reduce irrigation by 20% to 40% while maintaining high quality turf. As irrigation rates are reduced, golf courses can see savings on two fronts: through reduced water consumption and lower energy costs. These savings become particularly important in drought years when water and energy costs are more heavily scrutinized.
On Greens, Tees, and Approaches Instituting a Revolution program on high traffic areas this spring can go a long way in guiding them through the dog days of summer. Revolution’s unique chemical structure allows it to attach more closely to soil particles than any other surfactant on the market, enabling water to form thinner, continuous films through the soil. Improved Soil Moisture Uniformity Revolution’s advanced formulation has proven to provide more uniform soil moisture levels under a wide variety of conditions. This leads to more consistent moisture levels near the soil surface and drier, firmer conditions that results in more uniform playability. Research from Dr. Doug Karcher at the University of Arkansas showed that Revolution maintained more favorable soil moisture levels during drought conditions (b). Just as importantly, Revolution also provided more uniform moisture when more water than necessary was applied (a). By perfectly balancing air and water in the rootzone, Revolution can help greens thrive during the unpredictable summer months, rain or shine.
Plant Health Benefits In addition to its ability to provide comprehensive water management, research has shown that Revolution also provides a number of plant health benefits as well. Studies conducted by Dr. Erik Ervin at Virginia Tech showed that Revolution consistently increased the production of proline in turfgrass. Proline is an important water-regulating amino acid that helps plants cope with drought and heat stress. Proline Content in Leaves – Virginia Tech, 2003 0.4
Proline – mg/g Fresh Weight
0.35
Revolution Control
0.3 0.25 0.2 0.15 0.1 0.05 0
June 9
July 11
August 12
Dr. Ervin’s research also showed an increase in the production of Chlorophyll a in plots treated with Revolution. Chlorophyll a contributes to more efficient photosynthesis and better production of nonstructural carbohydrates that function as an energy reserve to keep turf healthy under stress. Chlorophyll a Production
Revolution® Control
VA Tech, 2003
16
Chlorophyll Levels
14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0
June 9
July 11
August 12
In the same study, Revolution plots showed an increase in levels of critical antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. These antioxidants play important roles in turf health by breaking down damaging free radicals into water and oxygen. As environmental stresses increase, the activity of these antioxidants must also be increased and maintained in order for the plant to survive. Dr. Ervin’s research shows that Revolution maintains SOD activity and catalase stability at consistently higher levels than the untreated control, preventing the buildup of free radicals that can cause cellular damage. Superoxide Dismutase Activity VA Tech, 2003
20
SOD Activity Level
16 14 12 10 8 6 4
VA Tech, 2003
70 Catalase Stability Level
18
Revolution® Control
60 50 40 30 20 10
2 0
Catalase Stability
Revolution® Control
June 9
July 11
August 12
0
June 9
July 11
August 12
By dynamically changing how water is distributed in the rootzone, Revolution helps turf managers tap into turf’s natural ability to protect itself against the effects of environmental stress. Superintendents who implement a Revolution program on their greens this Spring will see turf that is healthier, more consistent, and better able to defend itself against the many stresses of summer.
On Greens, Tees, and Approaches Though greens, tees, and approaches make up far less acreage on a golf course, they receive a disproportionate amount of scrutiny. These areas are the most visible to players and remain under constant stress from high traffic. As such, these areas are typically the most highly managed on a golf course. Primer 604 is a high performance soil surfactant that reduces soil water repellency that commonly occurs in the thatch and upper 1-2 inches of the soil profile of highly managed turf, particularly greens. By managing soil hydrophobicity, Primer 604 enhances penetration and infiltration of water into the rootzone throughout the growing season. This reduces problems with preferential flow and water channeling. The computer enhanced photos below show the differences in water flow beneath the surface of a USGA sand green profile. The green on the left was left untreated while the green on the right was treated with Primer 604. Notice the major differences in flow pattern.
Fingered flow in an untreated green
Matrix flow after treatment with Primer 604
This improved moisture distribution leads to increased root growth, better playing conditions, and significant reductions in water waste. All of these factors become increasingly critical in drier-thannormal seasons when the availability of water is more limited. Primer 604 allows for flexible application rates to fit different soil types and conditions. It is available in both granular and sprayable formulations.
The Bottom Line Seasons like 2012 remind us that we are ultimately at the whim of unpredictable weather conditions. While a repeat of last year’s historic drought isn’t guaranteed, there are enough warning signs that we should be prepared for another difficult season in 2013. Aquatrols offers a number of proven soil surfactants that can help turf managers offset the physical and financial strain of a drought year. The key is to start early. For more information on Revolution, Primer 604 or Dispatch, visit www.aquatrols.com or contact your local Aquatrols distributor.
