Dry patch recovery from summer stress

Parched soils will need reconditioning to mitigate the effects of dry patch and make efficient use of available rainfall to recover turf health. 

Instigating a planned Qualibra wetting agent programme for the rest of the season can help to retain more even moisture in the soil profile, without risk of compromising autumn dry down to minimise disease risk and maintain playability.

Syngenta Technical Manager, Sean Loakes, highlights that dry patch and soil structure damage that has developed through this summer’s extreme prolonged dry weather needs to be corrected as soon as possible, to aid soil condition recovery.

“Issues are most severe on unirrigated fairways, or areas where irrigation has been limited to conserve scarce resources and prioritise greens,” he warns. 

“Even where water has been available, the extreme temperatures have led to rapid drying and rewetting cycles that can exacerbate dry patch on greens and playing surfaces. 

“All too often the welcome rainfall is rapidly running through dry soils, without being retained and offering little relief for turf. 

''It’s also stripping out available nutrients essential for turf recovery.”

Now that more reliable autumn rainfall is returning, Sean advocates applications of Qualibra will help to enable more uniform infiltration of water into the surface. Even absorption into the surface is crucial for consistent playability. 

Importantly whilst Qualibra helps surface infiltration and counters dry patch to retain soil moisture focussed in the root zone and promote turf health, research has shown the unique formulation avoids holding any excess water that could create issues.

That’s especially important with weather patterns of more frequent extreme rain events and the risk of localised flooding. Furthermore, Qualibra won’t hold excess moisture as greenkeepers plan for soil dry down in readiness winter conditions.

“Syngenta turf research has consistently shown benefits from wetting agent programmes starting earlier in the spring and maintained longer going into the autumn,” he adds. 

“Using the advanced properties of Quaibra, now available in cost-effective returnable IBC packs, gives the greatest effects on fairways, greens and tees for turf recovery and quality.”