It may take several years to make a large pH change. Soils in the upstate are typically acidic and rarely need sulfur applications but usually do need lime. Augustinegrass lawns should receive 2 to 4 pounds of actual nitrogen per growing season, per square feet of turf.
The higher rate may be chosen for those growing St. Augustinegrass on sandy soils with the lower rate for those lawns growing on clay soils. An application of a soluble iron product, such as iron sulfate or a commercial chelated iron, in between fertilizer applications, will enhance the green color without encouraging growth. Augustinegrass should be fertilized three times during the summer, as recommended below. However, in the piedmont and midlands of SC where the turf is growing on clay soils, St.
Augustinegrass is typically fertilized only twice during the growing season early May and early July. The rate will depend on soil type. A soil test will help determine if a fertilizer containing phosphorous is required. See the section on fertilizer calculations below to determine how much granular fertilizer should be applied. This fertilizer may be especially important if the soils are sandy. The addition of phosphorous, the middle number in the fertilizer analysis, should only be applied if recommended by a soil test.
The addition of phosphorous, the middle number in the fertilizer analysis, will need to be determined by a soil test. Potassium is needed late in the growing season as the grass goes into dormancy for added disease protection and winter hardiness. A long-term approach is needed to correct either cause, but an iron product can be added to quickly enhance turf color between the spring and summer fertilizer applications. NOTE: A yellow appearance may also develop during early spring.
This could indicate an iron or manganese deficiency due to soil temperatures lagging behind air temperatures, high pH soils, or high phosphorous levels. Spraying with liquid iron ferrous sulfate at 2 ounces in 3 to 5 gallons of water per 1, square feet or applying a chelated iron product will help to enhance turf color.
Fertilizing with a micronutrient fertilizer, such as manganese sulfate, can alleviate manganese deficiencies. However, as the soil temperatures start to climb, the yellowing should slowly go away. Lime or sulfur may also be added if a soil test indicates a need. Be aware, it could take several months for lime and sulfur applications to affect the soil pH. To determine the amount of product required to apply 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1, square feet, divide by the first number on the fertilizer bag.
This will give the number of pounds of product to apply to square feet of turf. Irrigation: Water the lawn to prevent drought stress. Monitor the lawn on a regular basis to assess the need for irrigation. Wait to irrigate again until the lawn shows moisture stress. There are several ways to determine when the lawn needs watering. One way is to observe the lawn daily.
When the turf begins to dry, it will appear to have a bluish hue. Another method is to walk across the lawn late in the evening. If the grass blades in the footprints bounce back up, then there is plenty of moisture in the turf. If the grass in the footprints does not bounce back, then irrigate the lawn the next morning. The irrigation interval will vary from site to site depending on the environmental conditions at that site and soil type.
Localized dry spots or hot spots can be watered as needed by hand. The irrigation system should only be run when the entire lawn is dry. Insect Control: There are various insects and related pests that may infest St. Augustinegrass during the summer months.
Mole crickets, chinch bugs, spittlebugs, grubs, ground pearls, and nematodes can cause considerable damage. Each pest problem has its own management strategy and is usually handled with cultural and chemical controls.
However, there can be exceptions. Mole crickets and grub eggs will usually hatch mid-summer. Insecticide applications targeted at the mole crickets in their smaller nymph stage are the most effective controls, even if damage has not yet occurred.
If either of these insects was a problem early in the season, apply an insecticide during mid-July to control the younger immature insects. Chinch bugs can be very destructive to St. Monitor the turf on a regular basis during the growing season, especially during hot, dry periods. Damage is often more severe in sunny areas near driveways, sidewalks, or roadways, where the turfgrass is under more heat stress. A chinch bug is a small black insect with silver wings that sucks plant juices from the stem.
An infestation may cause the turf to die, which will need to be replaced or allowed to grow back in. Chinch bugs are fairly easy to control using general insecticides, but applications need to be made before the population has risen to a level where damage is occurring.
Research has shown that an early season insecticide application after the turfgrass has greened-up will reduce the late season activity. When applying insecticides for chinch bug control during the summer, rotate chemical families or mode of actions to reduce the chance of pesticide resistance. If an insect problem occurs, it is important to positively identify the problem and select the appropriate insecticide to apply.
Disease Control: The most common diseases that affect St. Augustinegrass during the growing season are large patch formerly known as brown patch and gray leaf spot. Large patch is a fungal disease that is active during warm, humid spring and fall weather. Since it is fueled by moisture, it is important to maintain a rather dry condition in the lawn by employing proper watering practices, as well as providing adequate soil drainage.
If the turf stays wet, circular yellow to brown areas may begin to develop and slowly grow in size. Later, the center of the circle may start to re-green. In heavily infested turf, the rounded areas may grow together and no longer appear circular. If the turf at the edge of the dying area shows a smoky brown, rotted appearance, it will be necessary to apply a fungicide treatment.
Gray leaf spot may occur on St. Augustinegrass during the heat of summer when the turf remains damp for extended periods, usually during rainy periods or on newly laid sod being kept wet. There will be small purplish spots on the leaves and at an advanced stage, the grass will have a scorched appearance. At this point, a fungicide application will be needed. You may begin watering again to the necessary 1 inch amount needed for the week once the clay structure absorbs the water on the ground.
The fall and winter months are periods of dormancy for St. As a result, your watering frequency should be based on keeping the grass free from drought conditions, like wilting and color changes.
An exception to the reduced watering is when you lay new sod. New grass sod needs to stay moist while it builds a solid root structure into the soil.
Mowing St. Augustine grass to too short of a length can damage the quality of the grass. You'll get the best quality of your grass if you mow more frequently at a lower height. If you can, use a mulching lawnmower for your St.
Leaving the grass clippings on the lawn allows the nutrients to return to the soil. Augustine Grass? Home Guides Garden Soil Care. Related Articles. On average, St. Obviously this need can be realized either from natural rainfall most desired or from supplemental irrigation.
Just for information, 1 inch of water equals about gallons per square feet. Use about 1 lb. Per square feet. This will help alleviate hydrophobic hard to wet spots making your irrigation more efficient.
Here is another Advance Tech Helpful Hint: Place several 4 — 6 shallow cans such as tuna cans out in the lawn in each watering zone. Water for thirty minutes, then check the cans. Average the amounts per can. This will give you a good idea of both the amount of water delivered by your irrigation system and the coverage. That will enable you to set the time clocks to deliver the appropriate amount of water to be applied.
Avoid extremes in watering. As stated before, water less frequently but more thoroughly. Avoid excessive run-off. Follow watering times issued by Water Management Districts. Odd numbered addresses water on Weds.
0コメント