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Web URL(s):http://archive.lib.msu.edu/tic/mitgc/article/1989138.pdf
    Last checked: 02/27/2009
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Publication Type:
i
Proceedings
Author(s):Patchan, Greg
Author Affiliation:Michigan State University Extension Service, Oakland County, Pontiac, MI
Title:Recovering from the drought of 1988
Meeting Info.:East Lansing, MI: January 16-18, 1989
Source:Proceedings of the 59th Annual Michigan Turfgrass Conference. Vol. 18, 1989, p. 138-140.
Publishing Information:East Lansing, MI: Michigan State University
# of Pages:3
Keywords:TIC Keywords: Renovation; Cultural methods; Turf recovery; Drought
Abstract/Contents:The drought of 1988 was the most severe in 50 years. Properly irrigated lawns survived with little damage. Chinch bugs and sod webworms are prolific pests in moderately dry conditions, therefore properly irrigated turfgrass seldom suffer from these pests. Grub and billbug damage can be masked by irrigation which maintains aggressive turf growth. The worst effected lawns were those composed of common kentucky bluegrasses and fescues. Some lawns that were damaged by the drought of 1987 could have recovered in 1988 had conditions been ideal. By midsummer of 1988 non-irrigated lawns had turned a dry, crisp, golden brown. Only shaded areas maintained the blue-green color of dormant turf. Fortunately, the chinch and webworms were also discouraged by these conditions. When the rains came in late August, it was evident that many stands of turf had died, and had not gone dormant. The shaded turf survived. Weeds and crabgrass dominated until the first frost killed the weeds and left the desirable grass standing. Repair the damage this spring (1989). If turf is thin but adequate, apply a preemergent herbicide at the right time. Some preemergent herbicides will suppress some broadleaf annual weeds. Remember; pre-emergent herbicides must be followed by adequate irrigation or rainfall for the product to be activated, and not just a few light showers. Fertilize, especially in late summer and fall to promote maximum growth. If the turf is too thin, reseeding will be required. Dethatch with a verticut machine, followed by vigorous core aeration. Seed and drag the cores for a top dressing. Apply siduron (tupersan) for pre-emergent crabgrass control. It will stop crabgrass while permitting the desirable grasses to grow. Bromoxynil will knock out the broadleaf weeds before they can invade the turf, and it can be used during the tender seedling stage. Lack of sufficient water is the major cause of seedling failure. Use Acclaim to knock out any crabgrass that was not killed by the pre-emergents. You might spend less money now to install an automatic irrigation system than you will need next time to repair drought injury.
Language:English
References:0
ASA/CSSA/SSSA Citation (Crop Science-Like - may be incomplete):
Patchan, G. 1989. Recovering from the drought of 1988. p. 138-140. In Proceedings of the 59th Annual Michigan Turfgrass Conference. East Lansing, MI: January 16-18, 1989. East Lansing, MI: Michigan State University.
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http://archive.lib.msu.edu/tic/mitgc/article/1989138.pdf
    Last checked: 02/27/2009
    Requires: PDF Reader
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