Soggy Roots

Spring is the time of year when turfgrass produces the majority of new roots. This year, we had a lot of rain, which hampered root growth. To properly produce roots, there must be oxygen in the soil. When our soils are saturated with water, the amount of oxygen is reduced. This, in turn, reduces the number of new roots that a plant produces.

Because of this root problem, we may start to see signs of wet wilt this summer. Wet wilt occurs during hot and humid periods when soils are waterlogged, or when the roots cannot absorb water quick enough to meet transpiration needs of the plant.

Affected grass initially appears brownish and water-soaked. Turf soon thins out in irregular shapes. Eventually, leaves and sheaths collapse and turn white. A week or two later, dead areas develop a blackish appearance. This condition is difficult to diagnose and can be confused with summer lawn diseases.

For more information, visit: http://www.usga.org/turf/green_section_record/2006/mar_apr/understanding.html