All of our previous efforts to remove sodium, lower the pH, the needle tine aerification, the topdressing, and the fertilizer applications were done for the obvious reason of restoring the greens health. Further more the greens health and tolerances to sodium, disease and heat stress depends on a healthy root structure. In October the greens had a 1/2" long root structure which in turn means the grass was very vulnerable to the high sodium, disease, and heat.
Picture taken from #18 green on Demeber 30th 2010.
Picture is of a core sample taken from # 18 green showing the root length on December 30th 2010.
There is no limit or predetermined root length that guaranties plant health during the stressful months. This is in no way a satisfactory or stopping point, we will continue aggressive cultural practices to promote root growth as temperatures allow; the post is to show the progress we have made. 2 1/2 inches in 2 1/2 months of root growth is a good start to prepare us for the stressful summer months to come.
