| Abstract/Contents: | Winter damage to turf evolves from two sources: mechanical and physiological damage. Mechanical injury includes play, snowmobiles, skies, sleds, etc. on wet or frozen soils. Mechanical injury may be prevented by constructing temporary greens or eliminating traffic. Injury caused by diseases, suffocation, desiccation, flooding, and low temperatures are physiological damage and are commonly known as "winterkill". Three winter diseases treated preventatively are Typhula blight, Pink patch, and Gerlachia nivalis. Application can be made again if mid-winter thaw occurs. If the turf has an ice cover for 30 days or more, suffocation can occur. Chopping ice, sewer sludge, or topdressing applications can prevent suffocation. Desiccation occurs on frozen soils and wind exposed turfs. Topdressing hay, straw, branches, and screens or plastic covers can be used to reduce wind effects. Light watering and construction of snow fences can help the plant retain some water. Desiccation is the most common physiological injury sustained during winter. Turf managers must be aware of windy weather, frozen soils with exposed areas, low humidity days, and turf turgidity to take steps in preventing desiccation. Turfs become susceptible to low temperature kill during flooding. Drainage ditches, tile drains, slit trenches, etc. are necessary to remove excess water and avoid this condition. |
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