WEATHER
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Best management practices for turf and ornamentals have been developed via research and carefully documented observations over a long period of time . They include thatch management , proper planting and pruning techniques , irrigation scheduling , species selection , right plant , right place , timely aeration and balanced fertilization .
Figure 2
IRRIGATION AUDIT Extreme weather fluctuations can be lessened though uniform application of water . When dry and wet spots exist due to non-uniform irrigation , weather extremes become more pronounced . Increasing the distribution uniformity from a low percentage to high creates more robust plants that are more resilient to drastic changes and extremes .
SCOUTING Regular inspections for diseases and insects put the sports field manager ahead of the curve in terms of being able to spot an infection or infestation on the rise . Assigning staff to “ look and see ” on a consistent basis will provide the opportunity to respond quickly to a pest issue and devise an intervention plan if necessary .
Figure 3
STAY FOCUSED , STAY IN YOUR LANE There ’ s something to be said for the tried and true . Knowing where marginal plants work , especially in transition zones , and where they don ’ t is really helpful in managing weather extremes .
EXPERIMENT , BUT IN A CALCULATED MANNER A tad bit contrary to the preceding paragraph is calculated experimentation , the embodiment of the phrase “ nothing ventured , nothing gained .” When trying new things , it pays to ask some of your colleagues at other facilities what their experience has been with a new piece of equipment , certain plants you ’ ve been wondering about or hearing about , and reflecting on recent observations that don ’ t mesh with what has been the norm .
Figure 4
Figures provided by Bradley R . Jakubowski
STAY PLUGGED IN Go to conferences , monitor social media , talk to product vendors . It ’ s pretty rare that a brand-new technique or strategy arises out of thin air . Most sportsfieldmanagementonline . com November 2023 | SportsField Management
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