By Mike Isbell
University of Georgia
The games must go on. And when they do, there is a really good
chance soccer players are having to play in the mud.
Take a good look at the ball fields around Georgia. The ground is
soggy. Some fields had standing water on them from all the rain
we’ve had this spring. But the games must go on. So this year,
just about every game is played in the “Mud Bowl.”
The soil in my yard is saturated, too. And right now, the last
thing on my mind is the thought of a dry summer. But if we have a
typical summer this year, we can expect periods of hot, dry
weather.
It’s possible to droughtproof a lawn, says Gil Landry, a
University of Georgia Extension Service turf specialist. But you
have to prepare for drought long before the hot, dry days of
summer begin.
Prepare for dry weather
Get your turf ready for dry weather by making it as hardy and
vigorous as possible, Landry says. That begins as soon as the
turf greens up in the spring.
The best way to condition a lawn for drought is with minimum
watering, although fertilizer application and soil conditions are
important, too. Limited watering, though, can encourage drought
tolerance.
Most folks use light, frequent irrigation. But that only leads to
a shallow root system, making the turf more vulnerable to
drought. Heavy irrigation, when the turf needs it, promotes a
deep root system and healthier turf.
Turf experts recommend soaking the soil to a depth of 6 to 8
inches.
Shrinking lawn
If you have too much lawn, get rid of part of it. Ground covers
can help. Many are drought-tolerant and highly water-efficient.
By replacing part of your lawn with drought-tolerant ground
covers, you can lower your water and fertilizer needs.
The UGA Extension Service recommends a soil test to determine the
plants’ lime, phosphorus and potassium needs. Potassium is
important for good drought resistance. And the proper soil pH
ensures that nutrients are available to the plants and not
wasted. This can save you money.
Will we have a dry summer this year? I certainly don’t know. But
if we do, there are things that you can do to prepare for it.
Will soccer players have to play in the Mud Bowl all season? I
don’t know that either.
But it’s kind of fun to watch ’em.
