In this first edition we are looking at the importance of wetting agents and soil moisture. More specifically using Hydrolink to get the most effectiveness out of your watering, fertilising and other applications. We will also be looking at using Pre-Emergent herbicides to manage your weeds as your soil temperature begins to drop for winter.

The importance of soil moisture is often overlooked.  We all know that either too dry or too wet is a problem, but the benefits of having well balanced, well distributed moisture content can be often forgotten.

 

Improved water absorption.
Proper water infiltration is paramount for healthy turf. Wetting agents break down the soils surface tension, ensuring it can penetrate compacted or hydrophobic soils. This facilitates uniform moisture distribution, preventing dry spots and ensuring every square centimetre of the soil profile receives adequate hydration.

 

Preventing dry spots. 
Dry spots are one of the most common reasons for uneven turf growth. Regular monthly applications of wetting agents break down the hydrophobic (water repelling) particles in the soil, helping the soil maintain an even moisture availability.

 

Optimal nutrient and product uptake.
As nutrients are dispersed in the soil together with water and wetting agents, a deeper positioning of the moisture and nutrients occurs leading to a much higher and beneficial uptake of the nutrients leading to healthier and stronger turf with deeper roots. The same principle applies to other products like bio-stimulants and soil amendments such as Kelpro, being better positioned in the soil profile.

 

Better herbicide activation.
Just like with fertilisers, herbicides work most effectively when the grass, and weeds, are healthy and vigorously growing. This will lead to more of the herbicide being taken up by the plant, leading to a faster control and less runoff/leaching to non-targeted areas.

 

Look at our range of Hydrolink products to pick one suitable for you!

 

Right now is time for you to be at least planning your pre emergent application to your warm season lawn, I.e. Kikuyu, Couch/Bermuda varieties, Buffalo varieties and Zoysia varieties to name a few.  Products such as Barricade, Spartan and combination granular fertiliser /Pre Emergent products (some even suitable for Cool Season Lawn, please refer to the label).

 

Pre Emergent herbicides work by leaving a residual barrier in the soil profile and killing the seedling as it germinates via either the root or the shoot, depending on the active ingredient. The length of residue and position of the barrier in the soil is also dependant on the type of pre emergent and how it is used.

 

It is very important to position pre emergent in the soil with irrigation or precipitation soon after the application.  Because we are targeting the soil, its effectiveness is subject to the ability of the soil to take on the product,  like hydrophobic soil and compaction, hence applications with wetting agents with the recommended watering will guarantee the correct positioning in the soil.

 

Typically we recommend your initial application of a pre emergent at the end of summer and early autumn, it is better to be 3 weeks early than 5 minutes late.

 

For the Addicts keeping up with our warm season lawn plans, we're approaching Special Fex applications, and for those who use it, Primo Maxx. Be sure to check the GDD calculator to ensure you are applying Primo Maxx at an appropriate time.

For the Addicts keeping up with our cool season lawn plans, were approaching Special Fex and Phosfighter application.

Next instalment we will be discussing insects and disease, so keep an eye out.