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| Publication Type:
| Newsletter |
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| Author(s): | Berndt, W. Lee;
Vargas, J. M. Jr. |
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| Author Affiliation: | Dept. of Botany and Plant Pathology, Michigan State University. |
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| Title: | Sulfate Reduction in Turfgrass |
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| Source: | Divot News. Vol. 25, No. 4, April 1987, p. 34,37,40. |
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| Publishing Information: | Newhall, Calif., Golf Course Superintendents Association. Southern California Chapter. |
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| # of Pages: | 3 |
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| Keywords: | TIC Keywords: Black layer; Sulfides; Disease control; Anaerobic conditions; Anaerobes; Deep coring
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| Abstract/Contents: | "We at Michigan State University feel that true formation of the black layer results in moderately basic soils (hi pH), from a natural, microbially mediated process termed dissimilatory sulfate reduction. It is the presence of reduced sulfate (sulfide) that is the key to black layer formation. Recent evidence suggests that excess water, while important in the scheme in most cases, is not the root cause. Algae will form a black surface crust in thinned turf, but this is a secondary problem and not involved in layer formation. In essence, anaerobic microbial reduction of sulfate and sulfer containing compounds in soil environments (i.e., greens) leads to the production of hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S). Hydrogen sulfide is an extremely reactive compound, especially with metals of the +2 valence state (i.e., Fe+2, Mg+2, etc.). Thus, the production of even small amounts of hydrogen sulfide in anaerobic soils containing such available ions will lead to a foul smell and black layer formation by precipitation of a 'metallic-sulfide'. Once black layer development advances, drainage and oxygen diffusion into the soil profile is hindered. As the layer development becomes chronic, soil pore space fills with the metal-sulfide, and the layer comes to have a 'glue-like' consistency. The layer effectively creates in impenetrable drainage barrier and anaerobic conditions. Sulfate reduction can be a vicious cycle since layer induced anaerobiosis plus the addition of sulfates leads to black layer formation, which leads to prolonged anaerobiosis and more layer formation. Eventually, plant growth ceases due to high concentrations of toxic metabolites associated with the anerobic condition and the physical presence of the layer. At present, no single method (except renovation) exists for allieviating the black layer. If you have a layer problem, it may be helpful to avoid lengthy irrigation cycles and rely more upon syringing. It is advisable that irrigation water be checked for sulfur content. If substantial quantities of sulfur have been deposited in the soil (from irrigation or other sources), heavy rains can induce an anaerobic condition leading to layer formation. This can be a key problem for the superintendent, since it is very difficult to control rain patterns. Since sulfur plays a central role, it may also be wise to discontinue the topical application of iron sulfate, sulfur and sulfur containing fertilizers (ammonium sulfate). Use of these products would, in essence, be 'feeding' the problem by making sulfates freely available. Deep core aerification with hollow tines, penetrating completely through the layer, may be beneficial by relieving soil anaerobiosis. However, hollow tine coring will bring a considerable portion of the glue-like black layer to the surface where plant 'matting' may occur. Lastly, conditions favoring the development of textural interfaces should be avoided since these interfaces are favorable places for the black layer to form. Matching the topdressing to the greens mix, as closely as possible, should help. Sand topdressing should be performed lightly and frequently to be of maximum benefit and to avoid layering." |
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| Language: | English |
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| References: | 0 |
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| Note: | Reprint: The Ballmark, Summer 1987, Vol. 13:2, p. 31-33.
Reprint: Newsletter of the Northern Michigan Turf Managers Association, May, 1987, p. 3.
Partial text as abstract. |
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| ASA/CSSA/SSSA Citation (Crop Science-Like - may be incomplete):
Berndt, W. L., and J. M. Jr. Vargas. 1987. Sulfate Reduction in Turfgrass. Divot News. 25(4):p. 34,37,40. |
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MSU catalog number: SB 433 .A1 D48 |
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