04/25/2016
Field Notes, March 2016 - March 15, 2016
Many superintendents take nematode samples in March/early April but this is not a good time of year to assay nematodes because of still reduced soil temperatures and activity. Mid to late May is a better sampling time. Tissue testing on bentgrass in late March is a great time but wait until early June for bermudagrass.
Scalping is a common management procedure in the spring on bermudagrass. This is a great practice for green-up promotion and uniformity, but cutting too low can be detrimental to recovery- especially if a late freeze is experienced. Dragging or brushing in conjunction is a much more productive approach and helps break loose and standup more ‘matted down’ leaf tissue. This is followed by moderate scalping which actually removes more undesirable, left over leaf and stolon growth than severe scalping alone. Green-up is also promoted to a greater degree. Sometimes small adjustments in timing or procedure can make a big difference!
