The Original Solar Panels
By
Jim Skorulski, agronomist, Northeast Region
September 29, 2015
Plant leaves are the original solar panels with the amazing ability to absorb the
sun’s energy and convert it into simple carbon molecules – i.e., sugars – that are
used for growth and other functions. Like the solar panels we use to produce
electricity, plant leaves require
maximum light absorption for
optimal photosynthesis.No person
investing in solar panels would have
them placed in an area that does
not receive full sun exposure. Yet, it
is easy to take for granted the
impacts of shade on a plant’s ability
to synthesize the energy it requires
for normal growth. Full sun
exposure is especially critical for
close-cut, dense putting green turf.
The fall season is a great time to
review shade patterns across your
playing surfaces and take action to
provide at least eight to 10 hours of full
sun exposure daily to all greens
through the entirety of the season.
The arrival of fall has brought with it cooler seasonal temperatures which are
much welcomed by weak-rooted turf and surfaces that are recovering from late season
damage. Cooler nighttime temperatures and shorter day length also
trigger turfgrass to begin producing new roots and storing sugars that will help it
survive flash freezes, hydration events and ice cover that have caused severe turf
loss at many courses over the past two seasons. Tough weather can be expected
in the winter months ahead,so now is time to focus on maintenance practices that favor carbohydrate storage and avoid those that force plants to spend
energy reserves. Here are some important practices to help that process:
• Maximize sun exposure
• Begin raising mowing heights in increments of 0.05-0.1 inch. Higher
mowing heights will increase the size of the solar panel – i.e., leaf
blade. Bigger leaf blades are better for accumulating carbohydrates.
Mowing heights can be increased in increments through the
remainder of fall. Keep in mind that raising the mowing height in late
fall, after the turf has gone dormant,will provide little benefit for
carbohydrate storage.
• Provide potassium where soils are deficient. This can be
accomplished through granular applications or spoon-feeding
programs.
• Avoid high rates of granular nitrogen in more northern areas of the
Northeast Region. Fertility priorities on golf courses located in
southern parts of the Northeast Region, or those who will be aerating
greens in the coming weeks,will be different. Keep granular nitrogen
applications at 0.5 pounds per 1,000 square feet on greens or spoon feed
with lighter rates of soluble fertilizers to meet the growth needs
of your turf.
The fall season can provide some of the best playing conditions of the season. It
also is the time to get turfgrass “solar panels” in good working condition to
prepare for the long winter ahead.
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