The Role of Soil Surfactants in Preparing for Drought ... - LINDSblog
The Role of Soil Surfactants in Preparing for Drought Conditions
The Role of Soil Surfactants in Preparing for Drought Conditions Across large sections of the United States, the summer of 2012 represented a constant struggle for golf course superintendents. As the worst drought in a generation ravaged parts of the Midwest and the South, many turf management programs were forced into survival mode. The goal of keeping turfgrass green and beautiful took a back seat to merely keeping it alive and playable. The lack of rain also kept rounds up, helping with revenue but increasing stress on turfgrass that was already pushed to the limit. Some areas were hit with water use restrictions. Others watched nervously as water and energy costs bumped up against budget ceilings. In many places, the 2012 season mercifully came to an end with a collective sigh of relief.
What Lies Ahead? For some, the 2013 season is shaping up to be a major case of déjà vu. The Seasonal Drought Outlook from NOAA and the US Department of Commerce released in late March shows that drought conditions are expected to persist across large areas of the country through the Spring season.
Now is the Time to Prepare For all the uncertainty that comes with long-range weather forecasts, there is one thing we do know for sure: it will rain in 2013. The problem is predicting where and when. The best that a superintendent can do is prepare his or her course for whatever may (or may not) come. The most important thing to remember is that effective drought preparations do not take place in June or July. They start now. As superintendents 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 drought 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 drought 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 extended dry periods, water and energy costs can spike dramatically as turf managers pump more irrigation water to make up for a lack of precipitation. Logically, most of this water is applied to fairways. Using a proven soil surfactant on your fairways can help to reduce the amount of irrigation water needed on your course and provide a significant 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 as irrigation rates were significantly reduced 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 are particularly important in drought years when water and energy costs are more heavily scrutinized. So how much can you really save? The Aquatrols Dispatch Calculator can help determine how much Dispatch is needed on your golf course and calculate the total water and energy savings a Dispatch injection program can produce over an entire season. Enter your values in the highlighted fields below to find out how much you can save. * Dispatch is also available in a more concentrated, sprayable formulation that can be tank mixed with nearly all fairway-directed turf chemical sprays. This tank mix compatibility allows for an easy way to apply Dispatch to fairways every two to three weeks without any additional labor. Just add it to your normal fairway mix and let it go along for the ride!
Irrigation Acreage and Dispatch Rates
Calculated Water and Energy Savings
Total Acres irrigated
Assumed % of irrigation savings
Water window when injecting Dispatch (in mins.)
Calculated annual water cost savings
Application rate of Dispatch (oz. per acre)
12.00
Rate of Dispatch needed (oz. per minute)
Calculated annual energy savings Calculated annual acid injection savings
Annual Irrigation and Dispatch Costs
20.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00
Impact on Maintenance Budget
Annual water costs for irrigation
Annual savings by using Dispatch
Annual energy costs for irrigation
Annual cost of using Dispatch
$ 0.00 $ 0.00
Annual cost for irrigation acid injection Number of Dispatch applications per month
4.00 Total Savings
Number of months injecting Dispatch Gallons of Dispatch needed per year
0.00
Dispatch price per gallon Dispatch cost per year
$ 0.00
$ 0.00 Locate a Distributor
®
On Greens, Tees, and Approaches Instituting a Revolution program on your 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 throughout the soil profile. 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 content near the soil surface and drier, firmer, more uniform playing conditions. 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 optimal playing conditions, research has also shown that Revolution 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 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 high-traffic areas this Spring will see turf that is healthier, more consistent, and better able to defend itself against the many stresses of summer.
On Trouble Spots The development of localized dry spots (LDS) is common during prolonged drought conditions. These dry spots are not just unsightly; they can also create issues with playability. The use of our treatment surfactant can help to reverse the negative of effects of LDS quickly and efficiently. Aqueduct is specially formulated to provide rapid recovery. Most users see positive effects after just one application. These pictures were taken just 13 days apart at a country club in Springboro, Ohio during the dry, hot summer of 2012.
Widespread LDS before Aqueduct application
13 days after Aqueduct application
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. If you have any questions about Dispatch, Revolution, or Aqueduct, contact your Aquatrols distributor today.
The Role of Soil Surfactants in Preparing for Drought Conditions Across large sections of the United States, the summer of 2012 represented a constant struggle for golf course superintendents. As the worst drought in a generation ravaged parts of the Midwest and the South, many turf management programs were forced into survival mode. The goal of keeping turfgrass green and beautiful took a back seat to merely keeping it alive and playable. The lack of rain also kept rounds up, helping with revenue but increasing stress on turfgrass that was already pushed to the limit. Some areas were hit with water use restrictions. Others watched nervously as water and energy costs bumped up against budget ceilings. In many places, the 2012 season mercifully came to an end with a collective sigh of relief.
What Lies Ahead? For some, the 2013 season is shaping up to be a major case of déjà vu. The Seasonal Drought Outlook from NOAA and the US Department of Commerce released in late March shows that drought conditions are expected to persist across large areas of the country through the Spring season.
Now is the Time to Prepare For all the uncertainty that comes with long-range weather forecasts, there is one thing we do know for sure: it will rain in 2013. The problem is predicting where and when. The best that a superintendent can do is prepare his or her course for whatever may (or may not) come. The most important thing to remember is that effective drought preparations do not take place in June or July. They start now. As superintendents 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 drought 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 drought 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 extended dry periods, water and energy costs can spike dramatically as turf managers pump more irrigation water to make up for a lack of precipitation. Logically, most of this water is applied to fairways. Using a proven soil surfactant on your fairways can help to reduce the amount of irrigation water needed on your course and provide a significant 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 as irrigation rates were significantly reduced 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 are particularly important in drought years when water and energy costs are more heavily scrutinized. So how much can you really save? The Aquatrols Dispatch Calculator can help determine how much Dispatch is needed on your golf course and calculate the total water and energy savings a Dispatch injection program can produce over an entire season. Enter your values in the highlighted fields below to find out how much you can save. * Dispatch is also available in a more concentrated, sprayable formulation that can be tank mixed with nearly all fairway-directed turf chemical sprays. This tank mix compatibility allows for an easy way to apply Dispatch to fairways every two to three weeks without any additional labor. Just add it to your normal fairway mix and let it go along for the ride!
Irrigation Acreage and Dispatch Rates
Calculated Water and Energy Savings
Total Acres irrigated
Assumed % of irrigation savings
Water window when injecting Dispatch (in mins.)
Calculated annual water cost savings
Application rate of Dispatch (oz. per acre)
12.00
Rate of Dispatch needed (oz. per minute)
Calculated annual energy savings Calculated annual acid injection savings
Annual Irrigation and Dispatch Costs
20.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00
Impact on Maintenance Budget
Annual water costs for irrigation
Annual savings by using Dispatch
Annual energy costs for irrigation
Annual cost of using Dispatch
$ 0.00 $ 0.00
Annual cost for irrigation acid injection Number of Dispatch applications per month
4.00 Total Savings
Number of months injecting Dispatch Gallons of Dispatch needed per year
0.00
Dispatch price per gallon Dispatch cost per year
$ 0.00
$ 0.00 Locate a Distributor
®
On Greens, Tees, and Approaches Instituting a Revolution program on your 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 throughout the soil profile. 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 content near the soil surface and drier, firmer, more uniform playing conditions. 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 optimal playing conditions, research has also shown that Revolution 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 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 high-traffic areas this Spring will see turf that is healthier, more consistent, and better able to defend itself against the many stresses of summer.
On Trouble Spots The development of localized dry spots (LDS) is common during prolonged drought conditions. These dry spots are not just unsightly; they can also create issues with playability. The use of our treatment surfactant can help to reverse the negative of effects of LDS quickly and efficiently. Aqueduct is specially formulated to provide rapid recovery. Most users see positive effects after just one application. These pictures were taken just 13 days apart at a country club in Springboro, Ohio during the dry, hot summer of 2012.
Widespread LDS before Aqueduct application
13 days after Aqueduct application
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. If you have any questions about Dispatch, Revolution, or Aqueduct, contact your Aquatrols distributor today.
