- Use as low salt-laden water source as possible
during the first 3-4 weeks after Sprigging and up
to 2-3 weeks after sodding. Any salt level over
5000 ppm TDS could be detrimental to rapid
establishment. Remember that salts are site
specific and in certain environments and sites,
lower salinity levels can cause problems.
YOU MUST HAVE ACCESS TO
FRESH WATER OR LOW SALINITY
WATER DURING ESTABLISHMENT.
- Salt is a great growth regulator and the higher
the salt level, the slower the growth rate
(reductions >50% will occur, depending on
level of salinity tolerance).
Salinity transitioning shock
- Shifting from low salt (ie. 500 ppm ) or fresh
water during early establishment to high salt
(>5000+ ppm) may cause a temporary leaf tip
brown discoloration. This is a transitioning
shock to the turf plant as it adjusts to higher
salinity levels. Add Fe to maintain color and
supplement with extra K.
- If only highly saline water is available for
establishment:
*sodding is better than sprigging
*aerate with solid tines (the deeper the better)
*apply gypsum (2-3 lbs/1000 sq/ft.) prior to
sodding
*apply a wetting agent when flushing to uniformly
move salts downward
*apply a cytokinin product to enhance rooting
*maintain irrigation scheduling about 5% above
evapotranspiration
- Wastewater treatment is designed to remove
solids, decrease organic matter, and disinfect.
The process does not deal with inorganic salt
levels or extraction of nutrients or heavy
metals. The fertility program must be adjusted
accordingly.
- Total salinity of municipal wastewater can
increase threefold from the potable initial
source to the final effluent discharge. The SAR
may increase 5 - 10X.
- Savings from reclaimed water use may be offset by
increases in soil amendments, water treatment,
cultivation events, and retrofitting of
irrigation equipment.
- Negotiations on the price for effluent water
should be tied to the quality of that water and
its future impact on soil type, plant species,
irrigation system efficiency, and climate.
- Seasonal water quality fluctuations are possible.
The salinity effect is site specific.
- Avoid salt - based amendments in salinity -
affected sites.
- Good surface/subsurface drainage is essential.
- Monitor Ca, Mg, Mn, P, and K soil and water
concentrations regularly, since these nutrients
may be leached out before the turf roots can
absorb them.
- Irrigation rates might vary from 0.5 - 1.0 inch
daily (very poor quality, high total
salts/bicarbonates) to 1 inch weekly (good
quality water).
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